Class a prediction for seismic centrifuge modeling of multi-block quay-wall: Undrained (Plaxis) versus coupled (flac) effective stress analysis

Abstract

Effective stress analyses are conducted aiming to provide Class A predictions for a seismic centrifuge test of a multi-block gravity quay-wall. Two different codes are used: i) the finite difference code FLAC 2D (coupled effective-stress analysis) and ii) the finite element code, PLAXIS 2D (undrained effective-stress analysis). Two versions of the original UBCSAND constitutive model, implemented in each code, are used after meticulous calibration in order to reproduce equivalent liquefaction resistance curves. Apart from predicting the experimental response, the study aims at performing a comparison between the two codes widely-used in practice.