MPC Researchers Investigate Earthquake Performance of Embankments
Posted: Jul 1, 2019
Considerable research has focused on the seismic performance of bridges, but embankments are also subject to damage during earthquakes. That damage may prevent the proper functioning of transportation networks that will be essential for rescue workers, repair teams and disaster relief efforts. MPC researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the local and global seismic performance of highway embankments when subjected to a variety of ground motions. Specifically, in this study the goal was to develop a simple model that can capture the characteristics of the real embankment behavior. Understanding what happens to highway embankments during earthquakes will help transportation planners better prepare for natural disasters and assist engineers in designing or retrofitting embankments to better withstand seismic forces.
Considerable research has focused on the seismic performance of bridges, but embankments are also subject to damage during earthquakes. That damage may prevent the proper functioning of transportation networks that will be essential for rescue workers, repair teams and disaster relief efforts. MPC researchers at Colorado State University evaluated the local and global seismic performance of highway embankments when subjected to a variety of ground motions. Specifically, in this study the goal was to develop a simple model that can capture the characteristics of the real embankment behavior. Understanding what happens to highway embankments during earthquakes will help transportation planners better prepare for natural disasters and assist engineers in designing or retrofitting embankments to better withstand seismic forces.