Experimental study on the interaction mechanisms of soil overlying embedded foundations under reverse faults

Abstract

The continuous expansion of transportation networks has led to an increasing number of extra-long and large-scale transportation infrastructures being constructed adjacent to, crossing, or traversing active faults. In high-speed transportation infrastructure where foundations with embedded depths are commonly employed, the interaction between embedded foundations and fault rupture emerges as a critical issue in transportation geotechnics. This study systematically investigated reverse faulting effects through 26 experimental configurations combining foundation positions, embedded depths, and structural loads. Three foundation-rupture interaction modes were identified, and their transitional relationships were defined based on ground surface and foundation displacement characteristics. The proposed damage-based classification approach enhanced traditional methodologies through two key advancements: First, it incorporated structural loading — a factor persistently neglected in prior studies; Second, it utilized observable ground surface and foundation displacements to develop mitigation strategies adaptable to unpredictable subsurface rupture propagations.