Backfill Effects on Response of Buried Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Abstract
The backfill effects tests were conducted in various backfill materials and provided data on the response of buried structures to localized point-source loadings. Four tests were conducted in this test series. To represent realistic backfill materials, two low seismic velocity materials, a high-shear-strength flume sand and a low-shear-strength reconstituted clay were used. The high seismic velocity material was obtained by using an in situ clay layer. The test articles were reinforced concrete slabs mounted on a reaction structure for testing. The test slabs had L/t ratios of 5 and 10. The results of this test series show that backfill material makes a significant difference in the response of buried structures. The tests conducted in the low seismic velocity materials had drastically different responses. A breach occurred in the test with the low-shear-strength, low seismic velocity reconstituted clay backfill, and light damage occurred in the test with the high-shear-strength, low seismic velocity sand backfill. Significant damage also occurred in the test with the high seismic velocity backfill. Keywords: Construction materials; Structural response; Blast response; Protective structures; Seismic velocity; Shear strength; Wave speed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215823
Entities
People
- Pamela G. Hayes