A series of 1 g shaking table model pile tests were carried out in dry and saturated dense sand to evaluate dynamic p-y curves for various conditions of the acceleration frequency, the acceleration amplitude of input loads, the flexural stiffness of the pile shaft and the mass at the pile head. The influence of each parameter on dynamic p-y curves was evaluated. Dynamic p-y backbone curves for pseudo static analysis of dense sand were proposed as hyperbolic functions by connecting the peak points of the experimental p-y curves, which correspond maximum soil resistances. In order to express the backbone curves as hyperbolic functions, empirical equations for the initial soil stiffness (k _ini ) and the ultimate soil resistance (p _u ) were developed, respectively, as a function of the soil friction angle and the confining stress. The herein suggested backbone curves were also compared with the currently available p-y curves.

The dynamic behavior of structures in liquefiable sand exhibits more complicated characteristics, due to the development of excess pore pressure caused by cyclic loading, than that in dry sand. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately predict the soil–pile structure behavior during liquefaction to prevent damage to the structures. In this study, three-dimensional numerical modeling was performed to predict the dynamic soil–pile behavior during liquefaction. To directly simulate pore pressure generation due to soil shear deformation, the Finn liquefaction model was applied and coupled with the Mohr-Coulomb elasto-plastic model. Soil nonlinearity was considered by applying hysteretic damping, and the interface model was applied to simulate various dynamic phenomena between the soil and pile. Simplified continuum modeling was introduced to prevent reflection wave generation and increase analysis efficiency. The applicability of the proposed numerical model was validated using the experimental results. Thereafter, a parametric study was conducted to provide a better understanding of the dynamic behavior of pile foundation during liquefaction. From a series of parametric studies, several important factors that can affect the dynamic pile responses in liquefiable sand were identified. Also, the characteristics of the dynamic soil–pile structure interactive behavior, which are significantly different from each other in liquefied and dry sand, were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

This study describes the methodology employed to construct a seismic fragility function based on a pre-existing numerical model tailored for underground stations. Employing a dynamic numerical model, a comprehensive analysis encompassing 110 distinct cases was conducted, each varying in soil depth and classification. Seismic waves, conforming to the standard design spectrum, were utilized within these numerical analyses. The formulation of the fragility function within the constructed model follows a structured approach, segmented by damage indices and severity levels. This systematic breakdown serves to outline the fundamental framework for establishing the fragility function, providing insights into its development process. Subsequently, the derived fragility function underwent a rigorous comparative analysis against established seismic fragility functions from prior studies. This comparative assessment serves as a critical evaluation tool, allowing for an appraisal of the suitability and robustness of the newly developed fragility function in relation to existing benchmarks.

A 3D numerical model based on finite-difference approximation was formulated to predict the dynamic soil-pile-structure interaction (SPSI) in dry sand. A non-linear elastic, Mohr–Coulomb plastic soil-constitutive model was adopted for the proposed methodology with a hysteretic damping model which can simulate nonlinear behavior of soil and an interface model which can predict separation and slippage between soil and pile according to the external load condition. Simplified continuum model was used to properly simulate the semi-infinite boundary and improve analysis efficiency. The proposed numerical model was validated by comparison with experimental results performed by Yoo (2013). Thereafter, a parametric study was also carried out to investigate the complex dynamic behavior of pile foundation under varying conditions. It was demonstrated that inertial force induced by superstructure is dominant for dynamic SPSI in dry sand whereas the kinematic force induced by soil deformation is relatively insignificant. Pile peak bending moment occurs at 30% of the pile length when pile length is no longer than 5 T and at about 30% of 5 T (1.6 T) when the pile length is longer than 5 T. The pile head fixity governed the peak bending moment profile of pile and affected the dynamic responses of the system in conjunction with other factors, such as pile rigidity.

Since liquefaction was first observed in South Korea during the Pohang earthquake, public concerns regarding the seismic stability of major infrastructure have increased substantially. However, the seismic behavior of tunnel shafts, which are an important element of tunnel structures, has not been properly established, especially under liquefiable soil conditions. In this study, 3D numerical modeling with Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua in 3 Dimensions (FLAC3D) was performed to predict the dynamic behavior of a vertical tunnel shaft during liquefaction. This study demonstrates key aspects of the dynamic behavior of tunnel shafts by varying important parameters such as the thickness of the liquefiable soil layer and applied seismicity level. Moreover, important dynamic responses such as excess pore pressure generation, the seismic bending moment of the shaft, and lateral displacements are highlighted. Finally, meaningful discussion of the seismic risk analysis based on damage indices is conducted based on the analysis results.

This study aimed to suggest a method for assessing the liquefaction-induced damage to railway embankments, one of the major national SOC infrastructures. To achieve that purpose, the railroad design and maintenance standards in South Korea were examined, and risk assessment method was proposed. The risk assessment of liquefaction-induced damage was classified into no damage level, caution level, and critical level based on the assessment of vertical irregularity, residual settlement, and lateral displacement. To assess the liquefaction-induced damage, three simplified assessment methods and a dynamic numerical analysis method with a finite difference method were proposed. Finally, these methods were applied to the roadbed of the Honam high-speed line, and its applicability was investigated. According to the results, the related standards showed the most overestimated value of settlement among the simplified assessment methods, and the dynamic numerical analysis technique showed the most underestimated value of settlement.