Abstract This paper describes a study on seismic coefficient and dynamic earth pressure distribution of a geo-grid reinforced Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining wall. Dynamic finite element modeling is implemented on the wall to investigate its dynamic responses under selected historic ground motions for a…
Abstract A proposed expansion at the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch in New Zealand consists of the reclamation of approximately 34 hectares of new land and the construction of a new wharf supported on piles. Seismic response of the reclamation and soil-pile interaction have been key…
Abstract This paper outlines key elements and the main findings for seismic design of geotechnical structures, i.e. earth retaining systems as well as natural and man-made slopes, and provides an unabridged roadmap for a streamlined design following the principles of value engineering and performance based…
Work is currently underway to update the NZTA Bridge Manual (BM) based on recent advancements in bridge design practice in New Zealand and worldwide, and also the NZTA’s experience on the performance of bridges during the Canterbury earthquakes. In the current 2nd edition of the BM various…
Clause B1/VM4 of the New Zealand Building Code allows a concession on strength reduction factors applied to foundation design for load cases involving earthquake load combinations with overstrength factors. It allows strength reduction factors of 0.8 to 0.9 compared to 0.45 to 0.60 typically specified for other load…
In pseudo-static analysis, the Mononobe-Okabe (M-O) solution is typically applied to determine seismic earth pressures acting on retaining walls where resulting displacements are relatively large. These equations require the input of a horizontal seismic coefficient which is frequently chosen to be equivalent to the free-field…
