Shaking table tests on seismic energy absorption and deformation control mechanism of negative Poisson’s ratio anchor cables in slopes

Earthquake-induced landslides have drawn significant research attention. This study presented a large-scale slope shaking table test to investigate the failure mode of an unsupported slope and to compare the energy-absorbing support effects of Poisson’s ratio (PR) anchor cables versus negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) anchor cables under seismic loading. Results indicated that seismic loading initiated slope surface cracking and interlayer crack propagation, leading to landslide failure. During the early loading stage, NPR anchor cables significantly enhanced slope stability through high prestress reinforcement. Fourier amplitude analysis further revealed that NPR anchor cables provided superior isolation of high-frequency vibration compared to PR anchor cables. At higher loading levels, PR anchor cables exhibited limited deformation capacity and fracture susceptibility, failing to accommodate large slope displacements. In contrast, NPR anchor cables sustained substantial deformations while facilitating energy release through controlled slope movement. This mechanism achieves broadband energy dissipation, preventing localized energy concentration. Analysis of peak ground acceleration amplification factor ( M PGA ) coefficients and Arias intensity under different waveforms revealed that the total seismic energy sustained by the NPR-supported slope was approximately 90% of that endured by the PR-supported slope. Furthermore, this study validated the capability of NPR anchor cables for long-term, stable monitoring of slope slip forces during seismic events, establishing a theoretical foundation for their application in early-warning systems for earthquake-induced slopes.