Seismic response of high-filled reinforced embankment supported by pile and slab structure on slope terrain

Abstract

In this study, the shaking table tests were conducted to investigate the seismic response of a high-filled reinforced embankment supported by pile and slab structure on slope terrain. The macroscopic damage phenomena of the test model, acceleration response, displacement, dynamic earth pressure and bending moment of the pile were thoroughly examined and discussed. The results revealed that the high-filled subgrade reinforced embankment had a favorable seismic stability. Despite the absence of collapse after 1.2 g seismic load, there was a certain extent reduction in structural resonance frequency. The dynamic earth pressure behind the pile initially increased from the top to the bottom and subsequently decreased near the soil boundary. However, with the seismic magnitude increasing, the peak value of the earth pressure near the pile bottom gradually increased due to pile rotation. The bending moment of the pile presented a bow-shaped distribution. The acceleration exhibited a notable amplification effect along the height of model, while the horizontal acceleration amplification factor decreased with seismic magnitude. Furthermore, the time–frequency domain characteristics and energy distribution of the model were investigated using the Hilbert-Huang Transform. This study provides a theoretical basis for the design of supporting structures for high-filled subgrades in high-intensity earthquake areas.