Large Deformation Analysis of Embankments Considering Liquefaction Using Material Point Method

A dynamic hydro-mechanical coupling analysis method using Material Point Method (MPM) and its applicability to liquefaction-induced large deformation problem are presented. Based on the u-p formulation, the governing equations comprise the equations of motion for the whole mixture and the continuity equation for the water phase, disretized by MPM and finite difference method, respectively. A cyclic elasto-plastic constitutive model is employed for simulating liquefaction behavior. As a numerical example, a river embankment mounted on liquefiable foundation ground is simulated using the MPM. Finite element analysis using the same governing equations and the constitutive mode is also presented for comparison. Evolution of pore water pressure and deformation mode are discussed. MPM more reasonably simulated large settlement and lateral flow of the river embankment and the flood channel induced by liquefaction than finite element method. In particular, MPM properly evaluated the large deformation-induced total stress changes which had a significant influence on the liquefaction behavior and subsequent deformation behaviors.