Experiments on full-size piles undergoing lateral spreading conducted at E-Defense Shake Table Facility, Japan

Abstract

A large scale experiment was conducted on piles embedded in liquefiable sand adjacent to a quay wall, on the 23rd of March 2006 at E-Defense, the world’s largest shake table. This experiment is described in detail, along with the preliminary analysis conducted to simulate the seismic response. The experiment was part of a larger project which aims to significantly improve the seismic performance of structures. A description of the other research conducted within this project is given, including the behaviour observed from full-scale tests on reinforced concrete buildings, wooden residential buildings and soil-foundation systems. The capabilities, features, researchers and the organisation behind the E-Defence facility are described, as well as opportunities for future international collaboration.