Seismic liquefaction trigger mechanisms

Abstract

Two possible mechanisms for the onset of pore water pressure rise due to seismic excitation of saturated soil are investigated using downhole array data from five real earthquakes. It is found that the shear stress invariant mechanism does not represent an effective means of predicting liquefaction triggering. However, the shear strain threshold shows promise, accurately predicting the onset of pore water pressure rise in all but one case. The shear strain threshold may serve as a useful tool for designers to more accurately characterise the susceptibility of any particular soil to liquefaction.