Seismic Response of a Shallow Cut and Cover Tunnel in Close Proximity to a Mid-Rise Building

This test investigated the seismic response of a cut and cover tunnel in close proximity to a mid-rise building (Prototype 12 stories high). Dry Nevada sand with the same relative density (~55%) as the baseline experiments (Experiment 1 & 2) 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 tunnel. 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, and Northridge_Strong. These motions were chosen as to provide realistic earthquake motions and a wide range of characteristics. The adjacent mid-rise building was built with a prototype 3-story basement, as is common in tall buildings for parking garages.