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Publish and Present
.jpg "Benjamin Serna, P.E., G.E., M.ASCE photo")
Benjamin Serna, P.E., G.E., M.ASCE
Geotechnical Engineer
Gannett Fleming, Inc., California
Stephen Dickenson, PhD, P.E., D.P.E., M.ASCE
Geotechnical Engineer
New Albion Geotechnical, Inc.
R. William Rudolph, P.E., G.E., M.ASCE
Chief Geotechnical Engineer
Gannett Fleming, Inc., California
Kristen Chang, P.E.
Senior Engineer
Group Delta
This paper focuses on the seismic performance of a pile-supported pier structure considering the potential for large-scale, earthquake-induced, slope deformations controlled by a weak layer of soft clays. The assessment incorporates the strain-dependent shearing resistance of the soft clay from moderate strains associated with peak dynamic strength, to intermediate strain at residual strength, and ultimately at large strain to remolded strength. Primary challenges included drilling through an existing rock fill to obtain high-quality samples of the soft clay underlying the rock fill and characterization of the static, cyclic, and post-cyclic stress-strain behavior of the soft clay. The development of an integrated field and cyclic laboratory testing program to evaluate strain-dependent shearing resistance of the marine clay underscores the importance of this characterization on the structural performance of a pile-supported pier structure impacted by permanent foundation movements during earthquakes. Structural aspects of the assessment are presented in a separate paper as part of the Proceedings of the Ports ’19 Conference.