Soil and Foundation Improvement Solutions for Seismic Resistant Design

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The upgraded seismic loading included in the revised national building code (NBCC 2005) postulates an increased seismic hazard in Canada. Most existing structures, including major infrastructure (e.g. nuclear power plants, bridges, etc.), were designed and constructed prior to these new design guidelines and are still susceptible to earthquake damage. In addition, failures of buildings during recent earthquakes due to excessive settlement and/or rotation of foundations have highlighted the importance of designing foundations that can withstand the seismic forces acting on the supported structure. Therefore, there is a need to accurately characterize the seismic risk for critical infrastructure systems and to provide innovative solutions for seismic resistant foundations for new and existing structures. The research program proposed here aims at developing innovative techniques for enhancing the lateral load capacity of existing foundations and developing new techniques for constructing earthquake-resistant foundation systems. The specific objectives of this research are: a) to evaluate the seismic site response and soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects on foundation input motion in soft soils; b) explore efficient foundation systems suitable for resisting seismic loads, and c) develop innovative retrofitting techniques for foundations of existing structures. Both experimental and numerical analyses will be employed to conduct this research. Shaking table tests will be conducted to study seismic site response and soil-structure interaction, as well as dynamic response of Fiber Reinforced Polymer piles. Pile load tests will also be used to examine the axial and lateral capacity of different reinforced pile foundation systems for existing and new infrastructure systems. The research is anticipated to provide soil and foundation improvement solutions for seismic resistant design and produce design guidelines for retrofitting of existing inadequate foundations. Many infrastructure projects, petrochemical plants, bridges, and renewable energy projects will benefit from the findings of this study. The improved seismic safety and reduced seismic risk in our infrastructure will provide significant social and economic benefits to our community. This research is also expected to benefit the Canadian public and protect the environment as a result of safer and resistant designs.