Resonance vibration approach in soil densification: laboratory experiences and numerical simulation

This paper describes the improvement effect and mechanism of strengthening a liquefied sand foundation using the cross-vibration wing resonance method, through an indoor model test and numerical simulation. The results obtained from the model test showed that a vertical drainage tube was formed during vibration compaction, and finally a crater with a depth of 40 mm and a radius of 150 mm was formed with sloping sides. The sand layer obtained a good improvement effect after resonance vibration, especially in the middle-lower sand deposit. The variation in excess pore water pressure showed different behavior in three stages of the vibration process, and the value after treatment was less than before with a decrease of 18.81%. The vibration energy in the horizontal direction gradually decreased to zero, however the absorption of vibration energy of the soil presented obvious nonuniformity along the depth direction. The results of the numerical simulation were similar to the model test results, including the scope and variation of pore water pressure, and the ground settlement after treatment.