Estimation of liquefaction-induced lateral spread from numerical modeling and its application

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Title Estimation of liquefaction-induced lateral spread from numerical modeling and its application
Publication Type dissertation
School or College College of Engineering
Department Civil & Environmental Engineering
Author Meng, Xianhong
Date 2012
Description A noncoupled numerical procedure was developed using a scheme of pore water generation that causes shear modulus degradation and shear strength degradation resulting from earthquake cyclic motion. The designed Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC) model procedure was tested using the liquefaction-induced lateral spread and ground response for Wildlife and Kobe sites. Sixteen well-documented case histories of lateral spread were reviewed and modeled using the modeling procedure. The dynamic residual strength ratios were back-calculated by matching the predicted displacement with the measured lateral spread, or with the displacement predicted by the Yound et al. model. Statistical analysis on the modeling results and soil properties show that most significant parameters governing the residual strength of the liquefied soil are the SPT blow count, fine content and soil particle size of the lateral spread layer. A regression equation was developed to express the residual strength values with these soil properties. Overall, this research demonstrated that a calibrated numerical model can predict the first order effectiveness of liquefaction-induced lateral spread using relatively simple parameters obtained from routine geotechnical investigation. In addition, the model can be used to plan a soil improvement program for cases where liquefaction remediation is needed. This allows the model to be used for design purposes at bridge approaches structured on liquefiable materials.
Type Text
Publisher University of Utah
Subject Geotechnology; Geophysical; Civil engineering
Dissertation Name Doctor of Philosophy
Language eng
Rights Management (c) Xianhong Meng
Format application/pdf
Format Medium application/pdf
ARK ark:/87278/s6101gwn
Setname ir_etd
ID 1404428
Reference URL https://collections.lib.utah.edu/ark:/87278/s6101gwn
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