Evaluation of Equivalent Single-degree-of-freedom Method for Nonlinear Dynamic Response Analysis of Embankments

A static push-over analysis method was used to assess nonlinear behavior of embankments. Then, based on the results of the analysis, a simple method for carrying out nonlinear seismic response analysis of an embankment using an equivalent-single-degree-of-freedom model was proposed. Seismic responses of embankments calculated using the proposed method agreed well with those obtained using the two-dimensional finite element method. This confirmed the validity of the proposed simple method for evaluating seismic behaviors.The proposed method enables the dynamic responses of embankments to be evaluated easily compared to the conventional two-dimensional finite element method. The method is thus considered an efficient and expedient procedure for evaluating the seismic responses of lengthy railway embankments.