Model test to investigate reasonable reactive artificial boundary in shaking table test with a rigid container

When conducting dynamic tests of underground structure by a rigid container, reasonable boundary conditions are one of the essential factors related to the accuracy of test results, especially the artificial boundary perpendicular to the excitation direction. On the basis of numerous studies, shaking table tests with four different typical boundaries are performed in this study. The tests consider the seismic intensity and seismic wave types. Then, the simulation effects of the four boundary conditions are evaluated from four aspects as follows: the differential rate of peak acceleration, acceleration curve, similarity of Fourier frequency spectra, and uneven soil settlement in rigid containers. Results show that the simulation effects of the boundary conditions are not only affected by the nature of the boundary material but also related to the seismic intensity, types of seismic waves, and filter characteristic of the filling medium in containers. In comparison with the other three types of boundary condition, foamed polyethylene shows the best simulation effect and its effect decreases gradually with the increase in earthquake intensity. Finally, on the basis of existing studies, the evaluation criteria of boundary effect, the principle for the selection of boundary material type and the thickness of boundary material are discussed and summarized, and the corresponding design methods and suggestions are then provided.