Seismic Failure Mechanisms and Geometric Optimization of Inclined Broken-Back Block-Type Quay Walls

This study examines the seismic failure mechanisms of inclined broken-back block-type gravity quay walls using finite element modeling (FEM). The FEM approach accurately simulates structural discontinuities and soil-structure interactions, enabling a detailed analysis of seismic behavior. The models are validated against experimental results from ۱g shaking table tests to ensure accuracy. The primary objective is to evaluate how variations in inclination angles of the wall body, base block, and underlying seabed soil layer influence seismic deformations and failure modes. Seismic responses are analyzed to identify critical failure mechanisms, including permanent horizontal displacement, base sliding, and backfill settlement. These mechanisms result from the uneven distribution of lateral earth pressure from the backfill soil along the wall's height. The findings show that simultaneous adjustments to inclination angles significantly alter the distribution of lateral earth pressure, affecting overall seismic performance. This highlights the importance of geometric optimization in enhancing the seismic resilience of broken-back quay walls. The study provides insights into optimizing geometry and mitigating seismic risks to improve the seismic resilience and operational reliability of these structures.

کلیدواژه ها:

Inclined quay wall ، Seismic failure mechanism ، Geometric optimization ، Soil-structure interaction ، Marine infrastructure