Centrifuge Modeling of a Constructed Reservoir Embankment: Antiliquefaction Performance Improvement Using Nanoparticles

Antiliquefaction performance improvement for developed sites beneath existing structures has drawn increasing public attention to meet stricter requirements of seismic protection. Liquefaction mitigation using nanoparticles is a novel countermeasure because of its low environmental disturbance and greater environmental friendliness. This paper reports a centrifuge test to evaluate the effectiveness of laponite (the representative nanoparticle) for liquefaction mitigation. A constructed reservoir embankment foundation was selected as the prototype and the laponite-treated model was carried out with a centrifugal acceleration of 45g. Additionally, the viscosity of laponite suspensions was measured to determine the appropriate concentration range and curing time. A similar test with an untreated model was conducted beforehand as a comparison. The subsequent research results showed that the generation of excess porewater pressure was suppressed and both lateral displacements and settlement were reduced in the laponite-treated model versus the untreated model. This paper provides experimental data beyond the elemental scale to support the beneficial effects of laponite on the antiliquefaction performance improvement of the developed sites. (C) 2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.