Centrifuge Modeling of the Seismic Behavior of Soft Clay Slopes

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results and analysis from two centrifuge experiments that simulated the seismic response of a gentle slope in soft clay. The two models consisted of a three-degree and a six-degree slope in soft clay, respectively, which are representative of typical slopes found on marine seabeds on the continental margins. The models were built in a laminar container in order to reproduce infinite slope boundary conditions. In-flight characterization investigations consisting of T-bar tests and air hammer tests were performed to obtain undrained shear strength profiles and shear wave velocities at various depths, respectively. A suite of earthquakes was