A numerical model for dynamic soil liquefaction analysis

This paper presents an effective stress-based numerical model, which can be used to obtain pore pressure build up and consequent loss of soil strength due to earthquake-induced shaking. The main advantage of the new method is that it needs few model parameters compared to many existing effective stress-based ground response analysis methods. The pore pressure generation is calculated using the equivalent cycle pore pressure model developed by Seed et al. [J Geotech Engng Div, ASCE 102 (1976) 323] but the equations are used in a different manner. Pore pressure generation calculated by the new method and the equivalent cycle method for different load patterns shows that the new method can predict pore pressures which are in better agreement with experimental data, irrespective of the loading pattern. The equivalent cycle method predicts results in agreement with experimental data only when the loading pattern is highly irregular, and tends to under-predict pore pressure ratios for other loading patterns. To demonstrate the ability of the new method in simulating earthquake-induced site response and liquefaction-related ground deformations, the Kobe, 1995 earthquake has been analysed. The results obtained from the new analysis agree reasonably well with recorded accelerations and lateral ground displacements at Port Island, Kobe.