In a significant stride towards enhancing the seismic resilience of underground infrastructure, researchers have developed a novel approach to model the seismic capacity of subway station structures, considering the inherent randomness of soil-structure interactions. This breakthrough, published in the journal ‘Underground Space’ (formerly known as ‘Tunnel and Underground Space Technology’), is led by Minze Xu from the Department of Civil Engineering at Dalian Maritime University in China.
Traditionally, seismic capacity analysis has relied on deterministic parameters, overlooking the stochastic nature of soil-subway station interaction systems. Xu and his team addressed this gap by combining probability space partition and stochastic pushover analysis methods. Their strategy calibrates seismic performance levels while considering the complete probabilistic information of the interaction system, leading to the establishment of non-parametric probabilistic seismic capacity models.
The implications of this research are substantial, particularly for maritime professionals involved in the design and maintenance of coastal and underwater infrastructure. As cities expand and seek to develop underground spaces near coasts and water bodies, understanding and mitigating seismic risks become paramount. The proposed models offer a more rigorous and comprehensive approach to evaluating seismic reliability, ensuring safer and more resilient underground structures.
“Seismic performance levels calibrated according to the proposed strategy can effectively consider the complete probabilistic information of the interaction system, which are more rigorous than the existing performance levels,” Xu explained. This enhanced accuracy can translate into better-informed decision-making processes for maritime engineers and urban planners.
Moreover, the research highlights the sensitivity of seismic capacity to variability in geotechnical parameters, depending on the performance level. This insight can guide the optimization of design and improvement of performance limits in related codes, ultimately reducing the risk of structural failures and associated economic losses.
For the maritime sector, the ability to predict and mitigate seismic risks in underground structures can open up new opportunities for coastal urban development. As cities look to expand their infrastructure, the demand for safe and reliable underground spaces will grow. The models developed by Xu and his team can provide the necessary tools to meet these demands, ensuring that maritime and underground infrastructure projects are resilient against seismic events.
In summary, this research represents a significant advancement in the field of seismic engineering, with far-reaching implications for maritime and urban development. By incorporating the stochastic nature of soil-structure interactions, the proposed models offer a more comprehensive and accurate approach to evaluating seismic capacity, paving the way for safer and more resilient underground infrastructure.