Saturated Loess Liquefaction & Pile Vibration Testing
Project name: Saturated Loess Liquefaction and Pile Foundation Vibration Table Test
Brief introduction: In 2012, the Chinese Seismological Bureau of Lanzhou undertook a groundbreaking study to better understand the behavior of saturated loess soil during seismic events. Loess, a fine-grained and loosely compacted soil type widely distributed in parts of China, is known for its unique geotechnical properties. However, its response to earthquakes has long been a subject of concern, particularly in areas where infrastructure depends on pile foundations for stability.
To carry out this research, the bureau relied on Dynatronic’s advanced testing equipment. A total of 46 DH301 three-way zero-frequency response vibration sensors were deployed, alongside a leased 138-channel SE-944 data acquisition system. This setup allowed for high-precision, multi-channel data collection to monitor the soil and structural responses under simulated seismic conditions.
The experimental model was subjected to Wenchuan seismic wave data on a large-scale shaking table. By recreating the dynamic forces of an actual earthquake, the test provided a realistic environment to observe how saturated loess and pile foundations behave under seismic loading.
The results of the study were both significant and conclusive. The experiment demonstrated that loess can indeed liquefy under certain saturated conditions when exposed to strong seismic forces. This finding carries profound implications for geotechnical engineering, urban planning, and disaster preparedness in regions where loess soils are prevalent.
Beyond proving liquefaction potential, the test also contributed to:
Improved seismic design codes for structures built on loess foundations.
Enhanced understanding of soil-structure interactions, particularly in pile-supported systems.
Guidance for risk mitigation, ensuring safer infrastructure development in earthquake-prone areas.
By providing reliable testing equipment and expertise, Dynatronic played a pivotal role in advancing China’s earthquake engineering research. This project stands as a landmark example of how vibration testing and seismic simulation can inform safer, more resilient infrastructure for the future.
