• Journal of the Korean Geophysical Society
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2002

Bulku temple in the city of Kyungju, Korea, built in 791 and reconstructed in the 20th century, is the home of seven national treasures including two three-story stone pagodas, Dabotap (height 10.4m, width 7.4m, weight 123.2ton) and Seokgatap (height 10.8m, width 4.4m, weight 82.3 ton). An earlier archaeological investigation shows that stone pagodas have experienced severe weathering process which will threaten their stability. At the base part of Dabotap, an offset of the stone alignment is also observed. For the purpose of the structural safety diagnosis of two pagodas, we introduce the nondestructive geophysical methods. Site characteristics around the pagodas are determined by the measurement of multiple properties such as seismic velocity, resistivity, image of GPR(ground-penetrating radar). Near the pagodas, the occurrence of high resistivity (up to 2200 Ωm) is obvious whereas their outskirts have as low as 200 Ωm. For the velocity of the P wave, the site of Dabotap has the range of 500~800 m/s which is higher than counterpart of Seokgatap with the velocity of 300~500m/s, indicating the solider stability of Dabotap site. Consequently, in addition to GPR images, the foundation boundaries beneath each stone pagodas are revealed. The Dabotap site is in the form of an octagon having 6-m-long side with the depth of ~4m, whereas the Seokgatap site the 9m × 10m rectangle with the depth of 3m. These subsurface structures appear to reflect the original foundations constructed against the stone load of ~8 ton/㎡. At the subsurface beneath the northeast of each pagoda, low seismic velocity as well as low resistivity is prominent. It is interpreted to represent the weak underground condition.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.25-35
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• 2023

Considering the non-linear behavior of structure and soil when evaluating a nuclear power plant's seismic safety under a beyond-design basis earthquake is essential. In order to obtain the nonlinear response of a nuclear power plant structure, a time-domain SSI analysis method that considers the nonlinearity of soil and structure and the nonlinear Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) effect is necessary. The Boundary Reaction Method (BRM) is a time-domain SSI analysis method. The BRM can be applied effectively with a Perfectly Matched Layer (PML), which is an effective energy absorbing boundary condition. The BRM has a characteristic that the magnitude of the response in far-field soil increases as the boundary interface of the effective seismic load moves outward. In addition, the PML has poor absorption performance of low-frequency waves. For this reason, the accuracy of the low-frequency response may be degraded when analyzing the combination of the BRM and the PML. In this study, the accuracy of the analysis response was improved by adjusting the PML input parameters to improve this problem. The accuracy of the response was evaluated by using the analysis response using KIESSI-3D, a frequency domain SSI analysis program, as a reference solution. As a result of the analysis applying the optimal PML parameter, the average error rate of the acceleration response spectrum for 9 degrees of freedom of the structure was 3.40%, which was highly similar to the reference result. In addition, time-domain nonlinear SSI analysis was performed with the soil's nonlinearity to show this study's applicability. As a result of nonlinear SSI analysis, plastic deformation was concentrated in the soil around the foundation. The analysis results found that the analysis method combining BRM and PML can be effectively applied to the seismic response analysis of nuclear power plant structures.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.455-475
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• 2023

The present study investigates the non-linear soil-pile interaction using three-dimensional (3D) non-linear finite element models. The numerical models were validated by using the results of extensive pile load and shaking table tests. The pile performance in liquefiable and non-liquefiable soil has been studied by analyzing the liquefaction ratio, pile lateral displacement (LD), pile bending moment (BM), and frictional resistance (FR) results. The pile models have been developed for the different ground conditions. The study reveals that the results obtained during the pile load test and shaking cycles have good agreement with the predicted pile and soil response. The soil density, peak ground acceleration (PGA), slenderness ratio (L/D), and soil condition (i.e., dry and saturated) are considered during modeling. Four ground motions are used for the non-linear time history analyses. Consequently, design charts are proposed depended on the analysis results to be used for design practice. Eleven models have been used to validate the capability of these charts to capture the soil-pile response under different seismic intensities. The results of the present study demonstrate that L/D ratio slightly affects the lateral displacement when compared with other parameters. Also, it has been observed that the increasing in PGA and decreasing L/D decreases the excess pore water pressure ratio; i.e., increasing PGA from 0.1 g to 0.82 g of loose sand model, decrease the liquefaction ratio by about 50%, and increasing L/D from 15 to 75 of the similar models (under Kobe earthquake), increase this ratio by about 30%. This study reveals that the lateral displacement increases nonlinearly under both dry and saturated conditions as the PGA increases. Similarly, it is observed that the BM increases under both dry and saturated states as the L/D ratio increases. Regarding the acceleration histories, the pile BM was reduced by reducing the acceleration intensity. Hence, the pile BM decreased to about 31% when the applied ground motion switched from Kobe (PGA=0.82 g) to Ali Algharbi (PGA=0.10 g). This study reveals that the soil conditions affect the relationship pattern between the FR and the PGA. Also, this research could be helpful in understanding the threat of earthquakes in different ground characteristics.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 1976

It is believed that geological survey, drilling and geophysical survey which was carried out on Tertiary deposits in Pohang is a valuable but through the studying of many Tertiary sediments in Japan discovered many questions on analysis of final report prepared by National geological survey. The main reason is: 1. The seismic sound velocity which have regulated in the final report prepared by geological survey for Tertiary deposits in Pohang was 1,500-2,000m/sec in spite of oil bearing sediments of same age in Japan are 2,000-3,800m/sec. These may means the requirement of reconsideration of seismic velocity for Tertiary deposits in Pohang and required to have a dipper drilling. 2. Stratigraphically, geophysically, and paleontologically, the Tertiary deposits in Pahang land area is similar with that of Nishiyama-Hunakawa formations of Akita oil field in Japan. Nishiyama-Hunakawa formation is the main oil bearing formation in Japan. 3. Those valcanic rock including andestitic rock and liparitic rock which have extensively distributed over either at land area or at sea bottom, assumed by geological survey as the base of Tertiary sediments. But in case of Japan many oil bearing deposits are in over laid by these kind of volcanic rock. Therefore a possible of same condition with Japan is presumable on Tertiary sediments in Pohang. 4. It is believed that the Tertiary sediments of land area in Pohang is the extension of offshore basin but is wandering that the final report submitted by geologic survey have not remain any word on report of ECAFE discribed so much problematics as followed: A. Although it was assumed that no great thickness exceeding 1,000 meters, or major structures would be encountered in the Tertiary offshore sequence, it was hoped that shallow hydrocarbon deposits might be found, because these sediment are lithologically similar to those of the same age in the producing area of the northwest Honshu region of Japan where hydrocarbon are extracted from depths of only 500 to 600 meters. B. Four possible hydrocarbon trap conditions are represented in the survey area: anticlinal folds, faults, pinch outs, along the igneous basement and lateral facies changes. C. Most of the prime possible reservoir area are beyond the 50 meter water depth mark, except for the structures in Yonil Bay. D. Despite the shallowness of the offshore basin, sufficient trap condition exist in the area to warrant further exploration for hydrocarbon. 5. All of the problems mentioned above have gave us a strong reasons to have us hesitating to make a final conclusion on Tertiary problems in Pohang, before to have a drill to a depth to 3,000 meters or more whatever it is the Tertiary or a Mesozoics below 1,000 meters.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.9-19
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• 2020

An integrated finite element model composed of a boiler and its supporting steel structure for a 375-MW coal-fired power plant was developed. This study used the developed model for seismic analysis using SAP2000 software. For the complex superheaters, reheaters, economizers, and membrane walls of the boiler, which consisted of numerous tubes, a method of modeling them by the equivalent elements in the viewpoint of stiffness and/or inertia was proposed. In addition, a method of modeling for the connection between the boiler and steel structure was proposed. Many hangers that connect the boiler to the girders of a steel structure were transformed into equivalent hangers by decreasing the number. The displacements of the boiler stoppers on the buckstay and the posts of the steel structure were coupled by considering their interface condition. Static analysis under the self-loading condition for the developed integrated model was implemented, and the results of deformation indicated that the behavior of the steel members and the major components of the boiler were appropriate. In conclusion, the integrated model developed in this study can be used to evaluate the safety of the boiler and steel structure under seismic loads.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.5-16
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• 2022

In the case of domestic seismic design, deformation of structures and ground is reviewed through undrained condition analysis and applied to design and maintenance. However, when the ground undergoes dissipation after liquefaction due to a dynamic load such as an earthquake, additional displacement occurs and greater damage occurs. Therefore, it is necessary to additionally analyze the drained conditions, It is necessary to grasp the exact ground behavior such as calculating and reviewing the amount of subsidence of the ground that has undergone the loss process after an earthquake and apply it to design and maintenance together. Therefore, in this study, numerical analysis was performed assuming undrained and drained conditions by dividing pure sandy soil into loose soil with Dr=30% and high-density soil with Dr=70%. In particular, when a dynamic load such as an earthquake is applied, considering the drained conditions of the ground, the settlement amount and the pore water pressure ratio of loose and dense ground are compared, This study focused on comparative analysis of settlement amount and pore water pressure ratio in the process of ground loss after an earthquake. As a result, the amount of subsidence during the dissipation process was 30 to 60 times greater than that of the earthquake.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.13-23
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• 2022

The ground-structure interaction of the bridge foundation has been pointed out as a major factor influencing the behavior of the bridge during earthquakes. In this study, the effect of characteristics of ground and bridge foundation on the earthquake vulnerability is investigated. From the pseudo-static analysis, it is confirmed that non-linearity becomes lesser and horizontal load becomes greater when surcharge is considered. It is also found that as the ground worsens and the size of foundation decreases, horizontal load reduces. To derive reasonable structural model for bridge foundation, fragility curve is obtained considering four conditions (fixed condition, equivalent linear condition, non-linear without surchage condition, non-linear with surcharge condition) and compared. Seismic analysis is performed on single pier with Opensees. From the earthquake vulnerability analysis, it is found that shallow foundation can be assumed as fixed condition. In conservative approach, stiffness of spring can be obtained based on Korean highway bridge design code for pile foundation which can consider the ground condition.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.183-190
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• 2007

The site effects of seismic stations were evaluated by conducting a simultaneous inversion of the stochastic point-source ground-motion model (STGM model; Boore, 2003) parameters based on the accumulated dataset of horizontal shear-wave Fourier spectra. A model parameter $K_0$ and frequency-dependent site amplification function A(f) were used to express the site effects. Once after a H/V ratio of the Fourier spectra was used as an initial estimate of A(f) for the inversion, the final A(f) which is considered to be the result of combined effect of the crustal amplification and loca lsite effects was calculated by averaging the log residuals at the site from the inversion and adding the mean log residual to the H/V ratio. The seismic stations were classified into five classes according to $logA_{1-10}^{max}$(f), the maximum level of the site amplification function in the range of 1 Hz < f < 10 Hz, i.e., A: $logA_{1-10}^{max}$(f) < 0.2, B: 0.2 $\leq$ $logA_{1-10}^{max}$(f) < 0.4, C: 0.4 $\leq$ $logA_{1-10}^{max}$(f) < 0.6, D: 0.6 $\leq$ $logA_{1-10}^{max}$(f) < 0.8, E: 0.8 $\leq$ $logA_{1-10}^{max}$(f). Implication of the classified result was supported by observing a shift of the dominant frequency of average A(f) for each classified stations as the class changes. Change of site classes after moving seismic stations to a better site condition was successfully described by the result of the station classification. In addition, the observed PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration)-values for two recent moderate earthquakes were well classified according to the proposed station classes.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.37-43
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• 2014

Natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis occur suddenly, so that they cause massive loss of lives and property. Especially earthquakes represent a particularly severe threat because of the extensive damage accompanied by them. In Korea, an earthquake-resistant design has been rarely applied to a design or construction of slope. However, in resent years, the researches for earthquake-resistance have been performed because the importance on the earthquake-resistance is perceived and highlighted. Soil nail method, one of the slope stability methods, is excellent for its constructability and cost effectiveness, as compared with other stability methods. Also, this method has been widely used for reinforced construction for slope stability. The studies of soil nail method have been performed on the interaction behavior between nails and slopes as well as the varied load condition such as static load, dynamic load and so on. Nevertheless, there has been minimal research regarding the constraint condition of nail head. In this study, the numerical analysis was performed for identifying effect on slope stability for the constrain condition of the soil nail. The result shows that the resistance of constrained the nail head on reinforced slope is larger compared to the one of unconstrained nail head.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.571-583
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• 2017

A kind of accordion-web RBS connection, "Tubular Web RBS (TW-RBS)" connection is proposed in this research. TW-RBS is made by replacing a part of web with a tube at the desirable location of the beam plastic hinge. This paper presents first a numerical study under cyclic load using ABAQUS finite element software. A test specimen is used for calibration and comparison of numerical results. Obtained results indicated that TW-RBS would reduce contribution of the beam web to the whole moment strength and creates a ductile fuse far from components of the beam-to-column connection. Besides, TW-RBS connection can increase story drift capacity up to 9% in the case of shallow beams which is much more than those stipulated by the current seismic codes. Furthermore, the tubular web like corrugated sheet can improve both the out-of-plane stiffness of the beam longitudinal axis and the flange stability condition due to the smaller width to thickness ratio of the beam flange in the plastic hinge region. Thus, the tubular web in the plastic hinge region improves lateral-torsional buckling stability of the beam as just local buckling of the beam flange at the center of the reduced section was observed during the tests. Also change of direction of strain in arc shape of the tubular web section is smaller than the accordion webs with sharp corners therefore the tubular web provides a better condition in terms of low-cycle fatigue than other accordion web with sharp corners.