Prediction of huge earthquake-induced deformation of in-service embankments using crushed mudstone as a soil material with slaking and proposal of countermeasures

Evaluating the seismic resistance of embankments using crushed mudstone as a geomaterial is an urgent and crucial requirement. In this study, a ground investigation was conducted on the actual embankment. Based on the results, the seismic response of the embankment, simulating progressed slaking, was conducted by elastoplastic finite deformation analysis using two major types of earthquake motion: epicentral and subduction zone earthquakes. Based on the results of the geotechnical investigation, the embankment could be divided into three layers owing to differences in physical properties, and slaking progressed below the groundwater level in the embankment. The embankment did not exhibit large deformation during the epicentral earthquake owing to the short duration. For the subduction zone earthquake, the developed shear strain was from the two large acceleration groups and the subsequent smaller accelerations, resulting in large deformation. Seismic loading caused the gradual loss of the overconsolidation and decay of the structure which reduced the embankment strength. This analysis revealed that shear strain developed at the slope toe and the lower part of the embankment. Furthermore, the analysis after the earthquake was also conducted to examine whether or not countermeasure method is feasible for emergency restoration. The seismic resistance was greatly improved when a combination of ground improvement and replacement/counterweight fill methods were used to reinforce these areas, which is not only during but also after the earthquake. This study can contribute to the understanding of the seismic behavior of soil structures using materials undergoing internal deterioration and to the development of countermeasure methods for such structures.