Modeling of ground deformation using spatial analysis and elasto-plastic finite strain theory

Earthquake-induced ground deformation is a type of permanent ground displacement observed extensively after the earthquakes. Anywhere from a few centimeters to several meters of lateral permanent displacements have been reported over large area. This caused substantial damage to lifelines and pile-foundations of buildings and bridge piers. The research work in this dissertation considers the different aspects of ground deformation induced by earthquake shaking.; Firstly, the advanced information technologies are exploited to document the case histories of earthquake-induced ground deformation. Two databases, Liquefaction-Induced ground Deformation Database (LIDD) and Borehole Database (BOD), have been constructed. A Web service architecture for promoting the exchange and utilization of geotechnical information is presented. These well-documented case histories help us to develop and improve methods for assessing and quantifying the liquefaction potentials of ground deformation.; The second part investigates the uncertainties in modeling the ground deformation over large area using empirical model. Geostatistical tools are utilized to investigate the spatial correlations of model parameters and estimate them over regional areas. The uncertainty of empirical model prediction is evaluated spatially using the geostatistical tools. The methodology for predicting liquefaction-induced ground deformation over large areas is presented and illustrated using a case study in Port Island, Kobe after the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu earthquake.; The third part of this research compliments the empirical and geostatistical approach by studying the physics of the ground deformation using modern approaches in continuum mechanism and numerical methods. The finite strain elasto-plastic J2 finite model and nonlinear finite elements procedure considering geometrical nonlinearities are formulated and implemented in a nonlinear finite element program to investigate the liquefaction-induced ground deformation. The transition from the initial configuration to the final equilibrium state is simulated using a dynamic analysis, which accounts for kinetic energy effects. The applicability of the implemented FE method to engineering is investigated in the case history of the Upper San Fernando Dam during the 1971 San Fernando Earthquake.