An investigation of seismic liquefaction damage and an anti-liquefaction technique for a gravity caisson wharf

Gravity caissons are widely used in the construction of coastal ports owing to their simplicity, high capacity, and easy construction. The verification of resistance to seismic liquefaction and earthquakes is necessary and important in the design and construction of coastal ports. In this study, a numerical program was developed based on elasto-plastic theory and a coupled finite element-finite difference method. The seismic resistance of a caisson wharf was assessed using the proposed program. Furthermore, gravel piles were designed to resist liquefaction-induced disaster. It was found that the lateral spreading of liquefied soil would cause large sliding and rotational deformation in the gravity caisson. Adding gravel piles, it can decrease the deformation of the caisson foundation, and improve the stability of the caisson wharf.