Test-4: Seismic Response of a Braced Excavation in Close Proximity to a Mid-Rise Building

This test investigated the seismic response of an open, braced excavation in close proximity to a mid-rise building (12-story tall prototype). Dry Nevada sand with the same relative density (~55%) as the baseline experiments was used. The model is built with a model scale of N = 65. Model structures were built at 1/65th of the prototype dimensions. The model is equipped with sensors throughout including accelerometers, LVDT’s, strain gages, and pressure sensors on the sides of the excavation to capture model response during the earthquake motions. Seven ground motions were applied to the model once 65 g’s was reached in the following order: Northridge, Loma Prieta, Joshua Tree, Chi Chi, Lucerne, Kobe, Northridge Strong. These motions were chosen as to provide realistic earthquake motions and a wide range of characteristics. This test builds off of Test 2 which tested the open excavation in isolation.