Test-6: Seismic Response of a Braced Excavation in Close Proximity to a High-Rise Building

This test investigated the seismic response of an open, braced excavation in close proximity to a high-rise building (42-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.
Eight 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, and LosGatos. These motions were chosen as to provide realistic earthquake motions and a wide range of characteristics. The first seven motions were also applied during the tests prior. LosGatos was an additional motion chosen to excite the high-rise closer to its natural frequency.
This test builds off of Tests 2 and 4 which tested the open excavation in isolation and adjacent to a mid-rise building.