Seismic Stability Enhancement of Rigid Nonyielding Structures

A series of shaking table tests was performed on a small-scale retaining wall that is rigid and nonyielding. Earth pressures during the vibration were measured for two cases of the backfill conditions: one with sandy backfill and the other with a compressible cushion inserted between the wall and the backfill. At various levels of the dynamic excitation, the seismic earth pressure against the wall was examined in each case. Pressure reduction capability of the cushion material was examined further by changing thickness of the cushion that can bring stability to the wall against any impending seismic pressure at high excitation level.