Abbas Mahdavian, Abbas Fathi Azar Kalkhoran,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (3-2015)
Abstract
Direct observation and experience of past earthquakes together with modeling carried out by researchers, has shown that ground motion acceleration and frequency is affected by the nonlinear behavior of site soil. In the process of assessing the seismic response of structures and lifelines, it is essential to understand the nonlinear behavior of the soil and how it can affect the results. In this paper, the nonlinear behavior of Urmia's subsurface soil is studied by performing one dimensional nonlinear site response analysis in time domain. Artificial acceleration time histories that were synthesized based on the result of seismic hazard analysis, conducted over three return periods, are used as input motion. Spectral acceleration at the ground surface is compared with those calculated for seismic bedrock, and spectral acceleration amplification curves are obtained. These curves show that, the amplification is greater in the central and eastern regions of the city than those for other regions of the city because of a deeper soil profile. The results show that the maximum amplification for higher return period is smaller because of greater soil nonlinear behavior
Soroush Mahdavian, Navid Rashidi, Ali Raeesi, Jamal Abdullahi,
Volume 19, Issue 1 (Spring 2025)
Abstract
Clay soils typically have low strength and a high swelling percentage. They are considered as problematic soils in Civil Engineering projects. This research study examined the effects of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) solution on the clay soil improvement through conducting laboratory experiments. The experimental program included Atterberg limits, compaction, swelling, unconfined compression strength (UCS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) tests. Available clay soil in the Lab was mixed with MgCl2 solution at weight percentages of 3%, 5%, 7% and 10% Samples for the swelling and strength tests were made using thestatic compaction method. The moisture and dry unit weight of the prepared samples were the same as those of thecorresponding compaction curves. The strength test results showed that the final strengths of the samples with 3% MgCl₂ at 7-, 14-, and 28-day curing times were 1401, 2018, and 1848 kPa, respectively. The results also showed that a reduction in strength of the samples occurred with more than a 3% solution of MgCl₂. For samples with 10% MgCl2 solution, the strength decreased until 14 days of curing time, but increased thereafter. Additionally, the results indicated that the reduction in swelling percentage compared to natural soil was 4.95%, 3.98%, 2.8%, and 3.9% for samples with 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% MgCl₂, respectively, showing that the reduction in swelling depends on the MgCl₂ percentage. Additionally, the SEM results showed that the improvement in the soil was due to chemical reactions between the soil and MgCl₂.
