Integrity of sub-structural systems during earthquake: indian and international perspectives.

Abstract

Structural integrity of underground constructions or sub-structures like foundations, anchors, basements, piles, piers, abutments, retaining walls, subgrade of railway, highway, airport runway etc. are important concern for the engineers and researchers in the entire world to advance on the infrastructural developments of any country. Several historical giant earthquakes all over the world had always put the researchers and engineers to the new challenge for developing advanced and new techniques of design and construction to maintain the structural integrity of the infrastructural systems. In this paper, the state-of-the-art type analysis and design techniques for behavior of such sub-structural system during seismic events are discussed. In this connection, the role of the design codes in India with a comparison to such activities around the world using international design codes is discussed. The importance of soil profile with seismic characterization is highlighted. Benefits of the recently proposed and validated pseudo-dynamic approach over the conventional pseudo-static approach have been revealed. The mitigation technique such as the use of geosynthetic materials for the stability and integrity of such substructures during seismic events is also discussed. The latest trends in research and practice for design of sub-structural systems in India and other countries are revealed.