Pseudo-static approach has been conventionally applied for the design of gravity type quay walls. In this method, seismic coefficient (kh), expressed in terms of acceleration due to gravity, is used to convert the real dynamic behavior to an equivalent pseudo-static inertial force for seismic analysis and design. Therefore, the calculation of an appropriate kh considering frequency characteristics of input earthquake is critical for representing the real dynamic behavior. However, the definitions of kh, which is used for simplified analysis in Korea, focuses only on convenience that is easy to use, and the frequency characteristics of input earthquake are not reflected in the kh definitions. This paper evaluates the influences of the frequency characteristics of input earthquake on kh by initially reviewing the kh definitions in the existing codes of Japan for port structures and then by performing a series of dynamic centrifuge tests on caisson gravity quay walls of different earthquake input motions (Ofunato, Hachinohe). A review of the existing codes and guidelines has shown that the kh values are differently estimated according to the frequency characteristics of input earthquake. On the other hand, based on the centrifuge tests, it was found that the permanent displacements of wall are more induced when long-period-dominant earthquake is applied.

Pseudo-static approach has been conventionally applied for the design of gravity quay walls. In this method, the decision to select an appropriate seismic coefficient (kh) is an important one, since kh is a key variable for computing an equivalent pseudo-static inertia force. Nonetheless, there is no unified standard for defining kh. Likewise, port structure designers in Korea have a difficulty in choosing an appropriate kh definition, as there are conflicts in how kh is defined between the existing seismic code of port structures and the proposed new one. In this research, various seismic design codes for port structures were analyzed to compare the definitions of the seismic coefficient. The results were used for the proposing a unified seismic coefficient definition. Further, two dynamic centrifuge tests were performed with different wall heights (5 m, 15 m) to clarify the reference point of peak acceleration used in determination of kh according to the wall height. Results from dynamic centrifuge experiments showed that correction factors for the peak ground acceleration considering both the wall height and allowable displacement are needed to calculate kh.

Soil-foundation-structure interaction (SFSI) is one of the important issues in the seismic design for evaluating the exact behavior of the system. A seismic design of a structure can be more precise and economical, provided that the effect of SFSI is properly taken into account. In this study, a series of the dynamic centrifuge tests were performed to compare the seismic response of the single degree of freedom(SDOF) structure on the various types of the foundation. The shallow and pile foundations were made up of diverse mass and different conjunctive condition, respectively. The test specimen consisted of dry sand deposit, foundation, and SDOF structure in a centrifuge box. Several types of earthquake motions were sequentially applied to the test specimen from weak to strong intensity of them, which is known as a stage test. Results from the centrifuge tests showed that the seismic responses of the SDOF structure on the shallow foundation and disconnected pile foundation decreased by the foundation rocking. On the other hand, those on the connected pile foundation gradually increased with intensity of input motion. The allowable displacement of the foundation under the strong earthquake, the shallow and the disconnected pile foundation, have an advantage in dissipating the earthquake energy for the seismic design.