Abstract

A model based on a discrete element method, was developed to evaluate dynamic earth pressures acting on buried structures. This is particularly relevant in the context of building basement design, where it is proposed that present recommendations overestimate the dynamic soil pressures induced by earthquakes. The method consists on a bidimensional formulation based on the plane strain assumption. The constitutive laws of the modeled materials match the dynamic behavior. The model of the buried structure is not fixed at any point, but is embedded within the modeled soil. This aspect constitutes an important contribution to most previously published studies on soil - structure interaction. The results confirm the hypothesis that dynamic soil pressures produced by earthquakes are overestimated by commonly used design methodologies. The results also give strong suggestions regarding the relative importance of the various parameters involved. © 2005 Civil-Comp Press.