Performance of Geopier Reinforced Soil Foundations During Simulated Seismic Tests on I-15 Bridge Bents

Results are presented from full-scale tests on geopier foundations subjected to simulated seismic activity. The foundations were subjected to large cyclic lateral and uplift-compression loads as well as significant overturning moments produced by the horizontal forces. For the conditions of the tests, including large loads, poor subsurface soils, and no embedment of the foundations, the magnitudes of the maximum displacements and rotations were relatively small. Furthermore, the permanent displacements at the end of the tests were small. Overall the results indicate that geopier foundations are ductile and can sustain large displacements—such as those generated by earthquakes—without significant damage and can thereby maintain serviceability after an earthquake.