Centrifuge Modeling of Reverse and Normal Faulting with a Designed and Manufactured Split Box

Document Type : Articles

Authors

1 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

2 School of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Due to the relative displacement of the earth crust micro plates, seismic waves and fault ruptures are formed, which shows different consequences on the ground surface. These effects vary according to fault depth, displacement value, type and sub-surface conditions. Although limited studies have been conducted on fault rupture propagation so far, studies have been accelerated following the occurrence of three earthquakes in Taiwan (Chi-Chi), and Turkey (Duzce and Kocaeli). Because of limited time to study the fault ground rupture after an earthquake, and the huge cost of performing large-scale tests (1 g conditions), it is important to perform studies on centrifugal model of fault rupture phenomena adopting accelerated gravity condition (Ng). In this study, a split box was designed and manufactured to simulate reverse and normal faulting. It was composed of a fixed and movable part designed to simulate footwall and hanging wall, respectively. The Firoozkuh sand No. 161 with a relative density of Dr=70% that is uniformly-graded fine clean sand with a mean grain size (D50) of 0.3 mm, maximum void ratio (emax) of 0.943 and a minimum void ratio (emin) of 0.548 was used in these tests. The tests were performed at the centrifuge facility of the University of Tehran, using Actidyn Systems C67-2 equipment and at a centrifugal acceleration of 60 g. Five initial tests were conducted to improve the boundary conditions of the models. The sidewalls of the model could create undesirable friction that could affect the test results; thus, different solutions were examined for reducing friction. Polyurethane sheets, double polyurethane sheets and silicon oil were used on both sides of the split box to reduce the frictional resistance. These tests were conducted using polyurethane sheets along with silicon oil-covered surfaces, which were determined to be the best solution. The other two experiments were designed to simulate normal and reverse faulting after obtaining desirable and appropriate conditions. The results of simulation showed that the vertical movement of bedrock in reverse faulting dissipated throughout the soil layer, and amplificated throughout the soil thickness in normal faulting that the value of DDR (Dissipated Displacement Ratio) was 91% and ADR (Amplificated Displacement Ratio) was 124%, respectively. The required h/H ratios for complete development of a failure surface were 5.57% and 1.85% in reverse and normal faulting, respectively. The failure surface approached the ground surface at a smaller dip angle (50 ̊) than the fault dip angle at bedrock (60 ̊) in reverse faulting and it became increased (84 ̊) in normal faulting. The scarp fault in normal condition is sharper and higher than reverse faulting; therefore, the buildings located in this area suffer damages that are more drastic than reverse faulting. According to the conditions of this study, the width of deformation zone is almost equal in reverse and normal faulting, but its location with respect to bedrock fault tip is different in either types. The width of deformation zone is equal to the soil layer thickness, and its border moved toward hanging wall side almost one third of the soil layer thickness in normal faulting. Increases in the price of urban land and a shortage of land for construction make optimal determination of this zone of special importance. Therefore, for effective usage of land, it is suggested that complementary studies (field investigation or laboratory model testing) be performed.

Keywords

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 05 December 2017
  • Revise Date: 14 February 2021
  • Accept Date: 26 December 2020

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