Dynamic properties and liquefaction potential of soils

Abstract

Design of geotechnical engineering problems that involve dynamic loading of soils and soil-structure inter- action systems requires the determination of two important parameters, the shear modulus and the damping of the soils. The recent developments in the numerical analyses for the nonlinear dynamic responses of grounds due to strong earthquake motions have increased the demand for the dynamic soil properties corresponding to large strain level also. Further, the most common cause of ground failure during earthquakes is the liquefaction phenomenon which has produced severe damage all over the world. This paper summarizes the methods of determining the dynamic properties as well as potential for liquefaction of soils. Parameters affecting the dynamic properties and liquefaction have been brought out. A simple procedure of obtaining the dynamic properties of layered ground has been highlighted. Results of a series of cyclic triaxial tests on liquefiable sands collected from the sites close to the Sabarmati river belt have been presented.