Model tests of dynamic response of modified lateritic soil embankments under combined action of wetting and vibration

Modifying lateritic soils, which are widely distributed in humid and rainy regions around the world, for embankment construction is a practical necessity for highway and railway projects. These embankments are susceptible to infiltration of rainfall, wetting and vibration from earthquakes and traffic. Further study is required to investigate the dynamic response characteristics of these embankments under combined action of wetting and vibration. Two scaled-down physical models of embankments were built: one with unmodified lateritic soils, which are typical soils with high liquid limit in central-southern China, and the other with lateritic soils modified with lime at a content of 8%. A self-designed model test system was used to conduct model tests of both embankments under combined action of wetting and vibration. White noise excitation was employed to quantitatively compare the two types of embankments in terms of variations of dynamic properties, such as natural frequency and damping ratio, with wetting degrees. Three types of seismic waves-Chi_Chi, NCALIF and SFERN-were used to quantitatively compare the two types of embankments in terms of variations of dynamic response parameters, including PGA amplification effect, pore water pressure and earth pressure, with wetting degrees and acceleration amplitudes. The test results reveal significant differences in dynamic properties and responses of the two types of embankments. Compared to the unmodified embankment, the damping ratio and PGA amplification factor of the modified embankment are reduced by up to 53.5% and 37.5%, respectively, resulting in an effective mitigation of the combined action of wetting and vibration. Test values of natural frequency, damping ratio, PGA amplification factor, dynamic pore water pressure and dynamic earth pressure of both types of embankments are presented. The research findings provide a theoretical basis for highway and railway construction and for revision of technical specifications in regions with widespread lateritic soils.