Updated Support Vector Machine for Seismic Liquefaction Evaluation Based on the Penetration Tests

Simplified techniques based on in situ testing methods are commonly used to predict liquefaction potential. Many of these simplified methods are based on finding the liquefaction boundary separating two categories (the occurrence or non-occurrence of liquefaction) through the analysis of liquefaction case histories. As the liquefaction classification problem is highly nonlinear in nature, it is difficult to develop a comprehensive model taking into account all the independent variables, such as the seismic and soil properties, using conventional modeling techniques. Hence, in many of the conventional methods that have been proposed, simplified assumptions have been made. In this study, an updated support vector machine (SVM) based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to evaluate liquefaction potential in two separate case studies. One case is based on standard penetration test (SPT) data and the other is based on cone penetration test (CPT) data. The SVM model effectively explores the relationship between the independent and dependent variables without any assumptions about the relationship between the various variables. This study serves to demonstrate that the SVM can “discover” the intrinsic relationship between the seismic and soil parameters and the liquefaction potential. Comparisons indicate that the SVM models perform far better than the conventional methods in predicting the occurrence or non-occurrence of liquefaction.     

Evaluation of Liquefaction Potential Index Along Western Coast of South Korea Using SPT and CPT

For South Korea, liquefaction potential along the western coast has not been widely assessed because South Korea is considered to be a low seismic hazard. However, recent earthquake events and historical records indicate that the seismic hazard of South Korea should not be ignored. Moreover, as artificial fills are extensively used along the western coast for development, liquefaction evaluation of the soils in this area is necessary. In this paper, we present: (1) the seismic characteristics of the study area; (2) procedures for evaluating liquefaction potential, focusing on the liquefaction potential index (LPI) approach; and (3) LPI distributions at several representative locations along the western coast of South Korea under various seismic scenarios. The liquefaction potential index represents the liquefaction potential over the upper 20 m of a boring or sounding. Using cone penetration test (CPT) and standard penetration test (SPT) data from two coastal sites, we compare and discuss CPT-based and SPT-based LPI values, particularly values computed in nonplastic, silt-rich soils. In these soils, it appears that the CPT yields lower liquefaction resistance, resulting in large LPI values. Finally, discussion and suggestions are provided for CPT- and SPT-based liquefaction assessment of low plasticity and high fines content soils.     

埕岛海域粉土地震液化分区

结合几年来的野外和室内实验资料，运用不同的液化分析方法，对埕岛海域粉土在地震作用下的液化可能性进行了综合评价，并对7度、8度、9度地震作用下该土层的液化情况进行分区，为本区海上工程勘察和基础设计提供科学依据。     

海床式静力触探在黄河口海底土工程特性研究中的应用

海床式静力触探设备工作效率高,能够实现从垂向上对地层的连续探测,数据分辨率较好。通过对黄河口海域3个静力触探孔和1个地质钻孔的分析,将研究区20m以浅地层自上而下划分为粉土、粉质黏土、粉土夹粉砂或粉砂、粉质黏土、粉土五层,静力触探曲线对粉土层中的硬壳层和粉质黏土层中的贝壳夹层等特殊地质现象有很好的反映。对粉质黏土的静力触探参数与物理力学参数进行相关性分析,得到适合该区域的回归方程。采用基于CPT数据的液化判别法,对研究区表层粉土液化可能性进行评判,通过Seed简化法计算的周期应力比(CSR)与Olsen法计算的周期阻力比(CRR)的大小比较,得出当抗震设防烈度为7度时,研究区表层粉土不会液化,当抗震设防烈度为8度时,粉土层将发生液化,计算最大液化深度3.7m。     

A case study on the soil classification of the Yellow River Delta based on piezocone penetration test

Piezocone penetration test(CPTu), the preferred in-situ tool for submarine investigation, is significant for soil classification and soil depth profile prediction, which can be used to predict soil types and states. However, the accuracy of these methods needs to be validated for local conditions. To distinguish and evaluate the properties of the shallow surface sediments in Chengdao area of the Yellow River Delta, seabed CPTu tests were carried out at ten stations in this area. Nine soil classi...     

The penetration experiment to predict liquefaction resistance of reclaimed soils

The liquefaction resistance of the soils used to be estimated through the in situ tests, such as standard penetration test and cone penetration test; or by means of cyclic triaxial test in laboratory. However, both in situ tests and cyclic triaxial test are time-consuming and costly; this study introduces a quick and cost-effective method to evaluate the liquefaction resistance of soils under certain confining pressure in laboratory. A particular device modified from the conventional triaxial compression test apparatus, namely “Triaxial Cone Penetration Test”, was developed to obtain the peak values of cone resistance in soils so as to correlate the liquefaction resistance of the reclaimed soils evaluated by cyclic triaxial tests. The test result indicates a good correlation between the peak value of cone resistance and the corresponding cyclic stress ratio (CSR) at the state of initial liquefaction, in which the correlation for loose samples is better than that for dense samples. Besides, both peak values of cone resistance and corresponding CSR increase with fine content of soils reaches 10% and decreased with fine content varying between 10% and 50%. By examining the compositions of the soils with scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, it is found that the proportion and characteristics of the fines plays an important role on the liquefaction resistance of the reclaimed soils.     

SPT-CPT Correlation and Its Application for Liquefaction Evaluation in China

The standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT) are the two most commonly used in-situ tests. In this paper, SPT-CPT correlation is investigated using statistical and regression method based on a database of in-situ tests. Two correlation equations of the SPT N-value and the CPT cone tip resistance q_c are proposed. The equations are applied for the liquefaction potential evaluation. Three effect factors including the soil type, mean particle size, and fine content are investigated for SPT-CPT correlation. The simple correlation can be used for the preliminary site investigation with least data and information. The comprehensive one can give more accurate result with detailed data. These two correlation equations are useful for different purposes with different accuracies. The liquefaction evaluations using the proposed correlation method are compared with those from the Chinese code method. It is shown that the proposed correlation can be helpful for site investigation and geotechnical design in practice.     

An experimental study of seabed responses around a marine pipeline under wave and current conditions

Experiments on three types of soil (d₅₀=0.287, 0.057 and 0.034 mm) with pipeline(D=4 cm) either half buried or resting on the seabed under regular wave or combined with current actions were conducted in a large wave flume to investigate characteristics of soil responses. The pore pressures were measured through the soil depth and across the pipeline. When pipeline is present the measured pore pressures in sandy soil nearby the pipeline deviate considerably from that predicted by the poro-elasticity theory. The buried pipeline seems to provide a degree of resistance to soil liquefaction in the two finer soil seabeds. In the silt bed, a negative power relationship was found between maximum values of excess pore pressure p_max and test intervals under the same wave conditions due to soil densification and dissipation of the pore pressure. In the case of wave combined with current, pore pressures in sandy soil show slightly decrease with time, whereas in silt soil, the current causes an increase in the excess pore pressure build-up, especially at the deeper depth. Comparing liquefaction depth with scour depth underneath the pipeline indicates that the occurrence of liquefaction is accompanied with larger scour depth under the same pipeline-bed configuration.     

Numerical evaluation of liquefaction-induced damages in composite breakwaters and its application for performance-based improvement design

Breakwaters provide a calm sea basin for ships and protect harbor facilities by reflecting wave energy toward the open sea area. Their performance under environmental loadings is the main concern for coastal engineers. Liquefaction susceptibility of loose sediments of seabed threatens performance of these structures. The article investigates soil liquefaction effects on the seismic performance of Iran liquefied natural gas (LNG) composite breakwater. Performance-based design method, considering both grade of the breakwater and acceptable level of damages, was selected as design philosophy. Liquefaction-induced damages to the breakwater were determined by numerical analysis. Since the obtained level of deformations did not meet allowable damages, soil improvement against liquefaction was considered. Different improvement patterns were proposed based on distribution of pore pressure ratio (r_u) beneath the breakwater to control its seismic performance. This investigation revealed that the most important area for soil improvement is located near the toes of breakwater to control the slope instability and performance of the breakwater.     

Shaking Table Tests of Four-Bucket Jacket Foundation for Offshore Wind Turbines

As the offshore wind turbine foundation, the four-bucket jacket foundation has a large stiffness and the structure is difficult to be damaged under seismic load. Nevertheless, the saturated subsoil of the four-bucket jacket foundation tends to be liquefied under earthquake, which greatly affects the safety of offshore wind turbine. Therefore, the seismic performance of four-bucket jacket foundation is mainly reflected in the anti-liquefaction capacity of foundation soil. In this paper, the liquefaction resistance of sandy soil of four-bucket jacket foundation for offshore wind turbine is studied. The liquefaction and dynamic response of sandy soil foundation of four-bucket jacket foundation under seismic load are obtained by carrying out the shaking table test, and the influence mechanism of four-bucket jacket foundation on the liquefaction resistance of sandy soil foundation is analyzed.

     

Evaluation of liquefaction potential of marine sandy soil with piles considering nonlinear seismic soil–pile interaction; A simple predictive model

Abstract

An elastoplastic, dynamic, finite-difference method was applied to study the effects of nonlinear seismic soil–pile interaction on the liquefaction potential of marine sand with piles. The developed model was well validated using the centrifuge test. The results showed that acceleration, bending moment, and excess pore water pressure complied well with centrifuge test results. The effect of different affecting parameters on liquefaction potential was investigated using parametric study. Using a sensitivity analysis, the pile embedment parameter was shown to be the most influential parameter. Finally, applying the evolutionary polynomial regression technique, a new model for predicting the liquefaction potential was presented.     

Gmax of Reclaimed Ground on the Western Coast of Korea Using Various Field and Laboratory Measurements

The maximum shear modulus of soil is a principal parameter for the design of earth structures under static and dynamic loads. In this study, the statistical data of the maximum shear moduli of reclaimed ground in the Songdo area on the western coast of Korea were evaluated using various field and laboratory tests, including the standard penetration test (SPT), piezocone penetration test (CPTu), self-boring pressure meter test (SBPT), down-hole seismic test (DHT), seismic piezocone penetration test (SCPTu) and resonant column test (RCT). Soils were classified variously by using a conventional unified soil classification system and classification charts for CPTu data. For the soils containing mostly sand and silt, the soil classifications using the classification charts for CPTu data show good agreement with the unified soil classification. Based on the statistical analysis on various maximum shear moduli, new site-specific empirical correlations between the shear moduli and SPT and CPTu values were proposed. Predictions of the maximum shear moduli using the proposed correlations were compared with the data obtained from the DHT, which is comparatively exact in evaluating the maximum stiffness of soils. The good agreement confirmed that the proposed correlations reasonably predicted the maximum shear moduli of soils in western coastal area of Korea.     

波浪作用下埕岛海域海底土液化分区

根据埕岛海域表层沉积物特征,结合该区的波浪实测资料推算的波浪要素,利用动三轴实验得到研究区土体在循环荷载作用下孔隙水压力的增长与振动次数的关系,计算研究区内海底土层的液化可能性和液化所需的时间,并根据土体在不同水深情况下达到液化所需的时间对研究海域进行了液化分区。结果显示,7-8 m等深线之间的海底土体由于受到波浪破碎作用的影响,最易发生液化,液化影响深度也最深,自该海域向近岸和远海,液化可能性降低;土层埋深为2.5 m以浅时,研究区大部分区域液化可能性为高,而到埋深为4 m时土层液化可能性明显降低。     

Regime shifts: Can ecological theory illuminate the mechanisms?

“Regime shifts” are considered here to be low-frequency, high-amplitude changes in oceanic conditions that may be especially pronounced in biological variables and propagate through several trophic levels. Three different types of regime shift (smooth, abrupt and discontinuous) are identified on the basis of different patterns in the relationship between the response of an ecosystem variable (usually biotic) and some external forcing or condition (control variable). The smooth regime shift is represented by a quasi-linear relationship between the response and control variables. The abrupt regime shift exhibits a nonlinear relationship between the response and control variables, and the discontinuous regime shift is characterized by the trajectory of the response variable differing when the forcing variable increases compared to when it decreases (i.e., the occurrence of alternative “stable” states). Most often, oceanic regime shifts are identified from time series of biotic variables (often commercial fish), but this approach does not allow the identification of discontinuous regime shifts. Recognizing discontinuous regime shifts is, however, particularly important as evidence from terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems suggests that such regime shifts may not be immediately reversible. Based on a review of various generic classes of mathematical models, we conclude that regime shifts arise from the interaction between population processes and external forcing variables. The shift between ecosystem states can be caused by gradual, cumulative changes in the forcing variable(s) or it can be triggered by acute disturbances, either anthropogenic or natural. A protocol for diagnosing the type of regime shift encountered is described and applied to a data set on Georges Bank haddock, from which it is concluded that a discontinuous regime shift in the abundance of haddock may have occurred. It is acknowledged that few, if any, marine data are available to confirm the occurrence of discontinuous regime shifts in the ocean. Nevertheless, we argue that there is good theoretical evidence for their occurrence as well as some anecdotal evidence from data collection campaigns and that the possibility of their occurrence should be recognized in the development of natural resource management strategies.     

Identification-based simplified model of large container ships using support vector machines and artificial bee colony algorithm

The 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) model with a high degree of complexity for capturing ship dynamics is generally able to track the nonlinear and coupling dynamics of ships. However, the 6 DOF model makes challenges in estimating model coefficients and designing the model-based control. Therefore, simplified ship dynamic models within allowed accuracy are essential. This paper simplified the 6 DOF nonlinear dynamic model of ships into two decoupled models including the speed model and the steering model through reasonable assumptions. Those models were tested through maneuvering simulations of a container ship with a 4 DOF dynamic model. Support vector machines (SVM) optimized by the artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) was used to identify parameters of speed and steering models by analyzing the rudder angle, propeller shaft speed, surge and sway velocities, and yaw rate from simulated data extracted from a series of maneuvers made by the container ship. Comparisons with the first order linear and nonlinear Nomoto models show that the simplified nonlinear steering model can capture more complicated dynamics and performs better. Additionally, comparisons among three different parameter identification methods demonstrate similar identification results but the different performance involving the applicability and effectiveness. SVM optimized by ABC is relatively convenient and effective for parameter identification of ship simplified dynamic models.     

The effect of structures on the wave-induced liquefaction potential of seabed sand deposits

One of the important design considerations for marine structures situated on sand deposits is the potential for instability caused by the development of excess pore pressure as a result of wave loading. A build-up of excess pore pressure may lead to initial liquefaction. The current practice of liquefaction analysis in marine deposits neglects the effects of structures over seabed deposits. However, analyses both in terrestrial and marine deposits have shown that the presence of a structure, depending on the nature of the structure and initial soil conditions, may decrease or increase the liquefaction potential of underlying deposits. In the present study, a wave-induced liquefaction analysis is carried out using mechanisms similar to earthquake-induced liquefaction. The liquefaction potential is first evaluated using wave-induced liquefaction analysis methods for a free field. Then by applying a structure force on the underlying sand deposits, the effect of the structure on the liquefaction potential is evaluated. Results showed that depending on the initial density of the sand deposits and different structures, water depths and wave characteristics, the presence of a structure may increase or decrease the liquefaction potential of the underlying sand deposits.     

天津永定新河口滩涂地层沙性土的液化判别分析

根据天津永定新河口滩涂地层沙性土分布规律,采用现场标准贯入试验和室内动三轴试验两种方法进行了沙性土的液化判别。两种方法的判别结果基本一致,即在地震基本烈度为Ⅶ度的地震作用下,除第5层的沙性土不发生液化外,其余各层的沙性土均发生局部液化;在基本烈度为Ⅷ度的地震作用下,仅第5层的沙性土发生局部液化,其余各层的沙性土均完全液化;在基本烈度为Ⅸ度的地震作用下,所有地层中的沙性土均完全液化。     

Effects of cross-correlated multiple spatially random soil properties on wave-induced oscillatory seabed response

The evaluation of seabed response under wave loading is important for prediction of stability of foundations of offshore structures. In this study, a stochastic finite element model which integrates the Karhunen-Loève expansion random field simulation and finite element modeling of wave-induced seabed response is established. The wave-induced oscillatory response in a spatially random heterogeneous porous seabed considering cross-correlated multiple soil properties is investigated. The effects of multiple spatial random soil properties, correlation length and the trend function (the relation of the mean value versus depth) on oscillatory pore water pressure and momentary liquefaction are discussed. The stochastic analyses show that the uncertainty bounds of oscillatory pore water pressure are wider for the case with multiple spatially random soil properties compared with those with the single random soil property. The mean pore water pressure of the stochastic analysis is greater than the one obtained by the deterministic analysis. Therefore, the average momentary liquefaction zone in the stochastic analysis is shallower than the deterministic one. The median of momentary liquefaction depth generally decreases with the increase of vertical correlation length. When the slope of the trend function increases, the uncertainty of pore water pressure is greatly reduced at deeper depth of the seabed. Without considering the trend of soil properties, the wave-induced momentary liquefaction potential may be underestimated.     

波浪诱发松散海床渐进式液化的数值分析

近海区域广泛分布着第四纪新沉积的松散海洋土,波浪荷载作用下松散海床会发生液化进而对近海结构物的稳定性存在巨大威胁。本文采用中国科学院流体-结构-海床相互作用数值计算模型FSSI-CAS 2D,选用Pastor-Zienkiewicz-Mark Ⅲ（PZⅢ）弹塑性本构研究了波浪诱发的松散海床液化问题。分析了波浪荷载引起的松散海床内超孔隙水压力、有效应力以及应力角的时程变化特性,并预测了松散海床的渐进液化过程。计算结果表明,波浪荷载作用下松散海床内残余孔压会累积增长,海床表面最先发生液化,然后逐渐向下发展至液化最大深度。同时指出海床内超孔隙水压力的竖向分布特征和应力角的变化时程均可以作为判断海床液化的间接参数。最后,通过应力状态分析,讨论了海床渐进式液化的发展过程和趋势。     

冰激振动下海洋平台地基土的动力液化研究

通过动力荷载分析,确定海冰荷载可以引起平台筒边土体液化,并阐述了判别土体液化的方法.利用冰激振动软件以及有限元软件对结构进行动力学分析,得到各筒边土体的最大剪应力.通过室内三轴实验和现场观测结果确定土体物理力学参数,利用判定公式计算得到土体抗液化极限应力.将两者进行对比,可判断筒边土体是否可能发生液化.以渤海某油田筒型基础平台为例,对平台基础土液化安全性进行了判别,证明该方法具有较强的创新性和可行性,对于这一类浅基础平台的地基土液化分析有一定的实践指导作用.