This paper presents a numerical study on the seismic performance of road embankments using finite difference modeling implemented in FLAC. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted to quantify the effects of critical seismic parameters, including peak ground acceleration (PGA) and thickness of liquefiable soil on deformation patterns and settlement behavior of embankments. The results demonstrate that elevated groundwater conditions and the onset of soil liquefaction markedly intensify permanent deformations and compromise global stability. Maximum displacements are predominantly generated during the strong-motion phase of the earthquake, followed by a degree of post-shaking stabilization that is strongly governed by soil mechanical properties. The induced deformations may lead to longitudinal and transverse cracking, reduction in effective embankment height, and progressive modification of slope geometry, thereby impairing structural integrity and traffic safety. The study highlights the importance of incorporating seismic frequency content, coupled hydro-geotechnical conditions, and soil strength characteristics into the seismic design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of road embankments in earthquake-prone areas. The findings contribute to improving predictive assessments and offer practical implications for enhancing the seismic resilience of transportation infrastructure.
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Sadeghi, V. , Bagheri, M. , & Abasi Hamidi, J. (2026). Earthquake-Induced Deformation of Road Embankments: A Finite Difference Method. Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions, 2(4), 28-41. doi: 10.22080/ceas.2026.30800.1066
MLA
Vahid Sadeghi; Mohsen Bagheri; Jaber Abasi Hamidi. "Earthquake-Induced Deformation of Road Embankments: A Finite Difference Method", Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions, 2, 4, 2026, 28-41. doi: 10.22080/ceas.2026.30800.1066
HARVARD
Sadeghi, V., Bagheri, M., Abasi Hamidi, J. (2026). 'Earthquake-Induced Deformation of Road Embankments: A Finite Difference Method', Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions, 2(4), pp. 28-41. doi: 10.22080/ceas.2026.30800.1066
CHICAGO
V. Sadeghi , M. Bagheri and J. Abasi Hamidi, "Earthquake-Induced Deformation of Road Embankments: A Finite Difference Method," Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions, 2 4 (2026): 28-41, doi: 10.22080/ceas.2026.30800.1066
VANCOUVER
Sadeghi, V., Bagheri, M., Abasi Hamidi, J. Earthquake-Induced Deformation of Road Embankments: A Finite Difference Method. Civil Engineering and Applied Solutions, 2026; 2(4): 28-41. doi: 10.22080/ceas.2026.30800.1066
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