Experimental investigation of dynamic behaviour of pile-supported bridges in sandy deposits

This paper presents the results of centrifuge tests performed on reinforced concrete (RC) pile–supported simply supported girder bridge models in non-liquefiable (unsaturated) and liquefiable (saturated) slightly inclined sandy soil sites. The main objectives were to investigate the dynamic response characteristics of RC pile–supported simply supported girder bridges in non-liquefiable and liquefiable soils, examine the mechanisms causing beam collapse and damage to pile–pier yielding, and verify the effectiveness of cable restrainers. The centrifuge tests were conducted in non-liquefiable and liquefiable sites, each consisting of a three-span RC pile–supported simply supported girder bridge model and a control model with a superstructure equipped with a cable restrainer. First, the dynamic characteristic parameters of the soil and structural models in both sites were obtained. Subsequently, the conventional test results were interpreted, including the excess pore pressure ratio, acceleration, and displacement. The analysis included examining the moment demand of the pile–pier structure and seismic damage mechanisms. Finally, a correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the inertial and kinematic effects on the moment demand of the pile–pier structure. The results show that the acceleration response after soil liquefaction at the inclined sites is amplified unilaterally in the downslope direction and spikes appear. The liquefiable foundation is displaced to the downslope. However, major earthquake induces foundation displacement, and liquefaction leads to a longer duration and more significant soil displacement. The installation of cable restraints significantly increased the acceleration response of the superstructure. Still, it effectively reduced the relative displacement of the superstructure and prevented the beam from collapsing. Soil liquefaction decreases the bending moment of the pile–pier structure, and the cable restrainer causes the damage mode of the pile–pier structure to shift from the pile head to the pier bottom. In the non-liquefiable scenario, the bending moment demand at the pile head has a more significant influence on the inertial effect. Additionally, using the cable restrainer system can increase the kinematic effect after liquefaction. The test results can be used to validate numerical models and provide a reference for pile foundation design.