Physical modeling and visualization of pile response to lateral spreading

Liquefaction-induced lateral spreading continues to be a major cause of damage to deep foundations. Currently there is a huge uncertainty associated with the maximum lateral pressures and forces applied by the liquefied soil to deep foundations. Furthermore, recent centrifuge and 1 g shaking table tests of pile foundations indicate that the permeability of the liquefied sand is an extremely important and poorly understood factor. This article presents experimental results and analysis of one of a series of centrifuge tests that were conducted at the 150 g-ton RPI centrifuge to investigate the effect of soil permeability in the response of single piles and pile groups to lateral spreading. The results of the centrifuge test were used to generate a visual animation of the dynamic response of the model, visualization that was very helpful in understanding the complex phenomena of excess pore pressure buildup and dissipation, particularly close to the pile.