Influence of Physical Modeling on Adoption of Rocking Foundations in Practice

Abstract

Several centrifuge model tests have been conducted using the NEES facility at UC Davis to study the dynamic behavior of rocking shallow foundations and the interaction with highway bridges or building systems. The results suggest that rocking should be encouraged as one mechanism for absorbing energy and thereby reducing ductility demand on the structure. During these tests, the interactions between researchers and practictioners has been valuable (a) as a technology transfer mechanism, (b) to figure out the direction of research to convince practitioners that results are definitive, and (c) for academics and practitioners to collaborate in appropriate changes in national standards such as ASCE/SEI-41 (ASCE standard for Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings). This paper provides examples to illustrate the roles and influences of physical modeling in the evolution of practice related to rocking foundations for bridges and buildings.