Fragility Curves Evaluation for Broken-Back Block Quay Walls

Abstract

Fragility curves are recently adopted and implemented in some geotechnical structures, mainly for waterfront structures to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of them. However, the vulnerability of broken-back block quay walls, as an efficient waterfront system in the areas with high seismicity, has not been evaluated. Therefore, in this study, a numerical model was developed and validated against shaking table tests results. Subsequently, fragility curves were produced for two broken-back block quay walls. Comparison of damage probability for two types of walls demonstrates the better seismic performance of the quay wall with larger hunch, especially for the high level of seismicity.

Keywords:

• Broken-Back
• Block Quay Wall
• Fragility Curve
• Seismic Vulnerability
• Numerical Simulation

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful of Sahel Consulting Engineers (SCE) for providing the data of Pars petrochemical port project. They also would like to acknowledge Dr. Abbas Ghalandarzadeh and Dr. Abouzar Sadrekarimi for the shaking table tests conducted at Tehran University on the block quay walls of the Pars petrochemical port project.

Notes

¹ Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis