Support vector machines‐based modelling of seismic liquefaction potential

This paper investigates the potential of support vector machines (SVM)‐based classification approach to assess the liquefaction potential from actual standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT) field data. SVMs are based on statistical learning theory and found to work well in comparison to neural networks in several other applications. Both CPT and SPT field data sets is used with SVMs for predicting the occurrence and non‐occurrence of liquefaction based on different input parameter combination. With SPT and CPT test data sets, highest accuracy of 96 and 97%, respectively, was achieved with SVMs. This suggests that SVMs can effectively be used to model the complex relationship between different soil parameter and the liquefaction potential. Several other combinations of input variable were used to assess the influence of different input parameters on liquefaction potential. Proposed approach suggest that neither normalized cone resistance value with CPT data nor the calculation of standardized SPT value is required with SPT data. Further, SVMs required few user‐defined parameters and provide better performance in comparison to neural network approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simplified DMT-based methods for evaluating liquefaction resistance of soils

This paper presents simplified dilatometer test (DMT)-based methods for evaluation of liquefaction resistance of soils, which is expressed in terms of cyclic resistance ratio (CRR). Two DMT parameters, horizontal stress index (K_D) and dilatometer modulus (E_D), are used as an index for assessing liquefaction resistance of soils. Specifically, CRR–K_D and CRR–E_D boundary curves are established based on the existing boundary curves that have already been developed based on standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT). One key element in the development of CRR–K_D and CRR–E_D boundary curves is the correlations between K_D (or E_D) and the blow count (N) in the SPT or cone tip resistance (q_c) from the CPT. In this study, these correlations are established through regression analysis of the test results of SPT, CPT, and DMT conducted side-by-side at each of five sites selected. The validity of the developed CRR–K_D and CRR–E_D curves for evaluating liquefaction resistance is examined with published liquefaction case histories. The results of the study show that the developed DMT-based models are quite promising as a tool for evaluating liquefaction resistance of soils.     

A performance-based framework for assessing liquefaction potential based on CPT data

This article describes a new performance-based approach for evaluating the return period of seismic soil liquefaction based on standard penetration test (SPT) and cone penetration test (CPT) data. The conventional liquefaction evaluation methods consider a single acceleration level and magnitude and these approaches fail to take into account the uncertainty in earthquake loading. The seismic hazard analysis based on the probabilistic method clearly shows that a particular acceleration value is being contributed by different magnitudes with varying probability. In the new method presented in this article, the entire range of ground shaking and the entire range of earthquake magnitude are considered and the liquefaction return period is evaluated based on the SPT and CPT data. This article explains the performance-based methodology for the liquefaction analysis – starting from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) for the evaluation of seismic hazard and the performance-based method to evaluate the liquefaction return period. A case study has been done for Bangalore, India, based on SPT data and converted CPT values. The comparison of results obtained from both the methods have been presented. In an area of 220 km² in Bangalore city, the site class was assessed based on large number of borehole data and 58 Multi-channel analysis of surface wave survey. Using the site class and peak acceleration at rock depth from PSHA, the peak ground acceleration at the ground surface was estimated using probabilistic approach. The liquefaction analysis was done based on 450 borehole data obtained in the study area. The results of CPT match well with the results obtained from similar analysis with SPT data.     

Probabilistic evaluation of seismic soil liquefaction potential based on SPT data

The performance-based liquefaction potential analysis was carried out in the present study to estimate the liquefaction return period for Bangalore, India, through a probabilistic approach. In this approach, the entire range of peak ground acceleration (PGA) and earthquake magnitudes was used in the evaluation of liquefaction return period. The seismic hazard analysis for the study area was done using probabilistic approach to evaluate the peak horizontal acceleration at bed rock level. Based on the results of the multichannel analysis of surface wave, it was found that the study area belonged to site class D. The PGA values for the study area were evaluated for site class D by considering the local site effects. The soil resistance for the study area was characterized using the standard penetration test (SPT) values obtained from 450 boreholes. These SPT data along with the PGA values obtained from the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis were used to evaluate the liquefaction return period for the study area. The contour plot showing the spatial variation of factor of safety against liquefaction and the corrected SPT values required for preventing liquefaction for a return period of 475 years at depths of 3 and 6 m are presented in this paper. The entire process of liquefaction potential evaluation, starting from collection of earthquake data, identifying the seismic sources, evaluation of seismic hazard and the assessment of liquefaction return period were carried out, and the entire analysis was done based on the probabilistic approach.     

Least square support vector machine and relevance vector machine for evaluating seismic liquefaction potential using SPT

The determination of liquefaction potential of soil is an imperative task in earthquake geotechnical engineering. The current research aims at proposing least square support vector machine (LSSVM) and relevance vector machine (RVM) as novel classification techniques for the determination of liquefaction potential of soil from actual standard penetration test (SPT) data. The LSSVM is a statistical learning method that has a self-contained basis of statistical learning theory and excellent learning performance. RVM is based on a Bayesian formulation. It can generalize well and provide inferences at low computational cost. Both models give probabilistic output. A comparative study has been also done between developed two models and artificial neural network model. The study shows that RVM is the best model for the prediction of liquefaction potential of soil is based on SPT data.     

Soil liquefaction potential induced by the andalusian earthquake of 25 December 1884

On 25 December 1884, an earthquake of epicentral intensityI ₀ = IX in the MSK scale caused great damage in a large area in the provinces of Granada and Málaga, in the south of Spain. The reports of the Spanish, Italian and French Commissions that studied the earthquake described ground phenomena in seven different sites which can be identified as soil liquefaction.By means of dynamic penetration tests carried out in the above sites, the corresponding soil profiles (based on SPT data and water table depth) were established, and the occurrence of liquefaction was proved in five out of seven of these sites. Also, the intensities at such locations and the magnitude of the earthquake were estimated.From the geotechnical data and the cyclic stress ratio induced by the earthquake, liquefaction conditions were confirmed in all the five sites which presumably liquefied. Then, possible values of the minimum ground surface accelerations necessary for the onset of liquefaction at each location were calculated. The results obtained were completed with data reported in six liquefaction case studies from Japan and the United States, from which design charts relating soil acceleration with normalized SPT values for different intensity levels were drawn.Finally, by using standard attenuation curves, the above data were translated into epicentral distances, and good agreement with the known epicentral area was found. As a result, a consistent approach for liquefaction hazard and source location problems has been developed. The proposed method combines in its formulation historical evidence and earthquake engineering techniques.     

Treatment of Loose to Medium Dense Sands by Granular Piles: Improved SPT ‘N<Subscript>1</Subscript>’ Values

The effect of granular pile installation on the modifications induced in loose to medium dense granular deposits is studied. SPT is the most often used to evaluate the in situ soil properties. Expressions for modified SPT N₁ values for different soils, i.e., for different initial SPT N₁ values, were determined as functions of replacement ratio from the available field data. Improvements in the ground are presented in the form of modified or improved SPT N₁ values versus replacement ratio charts, which can then be used to design the required degree of treatment for the expected improvement or to estimate the improved values of treated ground for different initial states of sands.     

上海市崇明岛浅层砂土、粉土分布探讨

通过对崇明岛内大量勘探资料的分析研究,本文分析了岛内浅层砂土、粉土的分布特征,并根据岩性及静力触探指 标对其进行详细分类,找出了每类土的典型静力触探曲线,最后探讨了各类土的液化问题。     

双桥静力触探法判别上海薄夹层粘土地基液化研究

通过对11项典型工程场地进行原位取土及双桥静力触探原位测试分析,重点研究了上海地区薄层粘性土（或粘质粉土）夹层对液化判别的影响,统计分析了锥尖阻力qc、摩阻比Rf与土层粘粒含量的相关关系,提出了完全依据双桥静力触探试验的地基液化判别方法,在工程应用中取得了显著经济效益。     

以标贯试验为依据的砂土液化确定性及概率判别法

核电厂址非基岩场地的地基液化问题是核电厂选址的关键问题,亟需建立核电厂址地基液化判别方法。回顾了以标贯试验和地表峰值加速度为依据的砂土液化判别方法的演化历史,依据Idriss-Boulanger确定液化临界曲线的基本方法,提出了确定液化临界曲线的基本原则,分别依据美国液化数据库、中国抗震规范液化判别式所用的液化数据及综合两者的液化数据资料,给出了相应的液化临界曲线,验证了液化临界曲线的位置对不同的细粒含量、有效上覆压力、现场试验方法的液化数据的合理性,分析了测量或估计土层循环应力比和修正标贯击数各种因素的不确定性对液化临界曲线的敏感性,结果表明：所提的液化临界曲线不易受各种因素的影响。利用Monte Carlo模拟、加权最大似然法和加权经验概率法,给出了液化临界曲线的名义抗液化安全系数与液化概率的经验关系式及概率等值线,并对核电厂Ⅰ类、Ⅱ类和Ⅲ类抗震物项地基,给出了相应的液化临界曲线。     

The liquefaction of clayey soils under cyclic loading

This paper seeks to investigate the liquefaction of clayey soils, a phenomenon that has been the trigger for many natural disasters in the last few decades, including landslides. Research was conducted on artificial clay-sand mixtures and natural clayey soils collected from the sliding surfaces of earthquake-induced landslides. The undrained response of normally consolidated clayey soils to cyclic loading was studied by means of a ring-shear apparatus. For the artificial clay-sand mixtures, it was found that the presence of a small amount of bentonite (≤ 7%) would cause rapid liquefaction, while a further increase in bentonite content (≥ 11%) produced the opposite effect of raising soil resistance to liquefaction by a significant degree. It was demonstrated that the bentonite-sand mixture was considerably more resistant to liquefaction than the kaolin-, and illite-mixtures, given the same clay content. The test results of plastic soils revealed the significant influence of plasticity on the liquefaction resistance of soil. The microfabric of clayey soil was investigated by means of a scanning electron microscope. The analysis showed that the liquefaction potential of soil was strongly related to certain particle arrangements. For example, soil vulnerable to liquefaction had an open microfabric in which clay aggregations generally gathered at the sand particle contact points, forming low-strength “clay bridges” that were destroyed easily during cyclic loading. On the other hand, the microfabric of soil that was resistant to liquefaction appeared to be more compact, with the clay producing a matrix that prevented sand grains from liquefying. In the case of the natural soils, the obtained results indicated that their cyclic behavior was similarly influenced by factors such as clay content, clay mineralogy and plasticity. The relation between the liquefaction potential of natural soil and its microfabric was thus also established. On the basis of the obtained results, the authors posited an explanation on the mechanism of liquefaction for clayey soil.     

Seismic liquefaction potential assessed by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method

Liquefaction of loose, saturated granular soils during earthquakes poses a major hazard in many regions of the world. The determination of liquefaction potential of soils induced by earthquake is a major concern and an essential criterion in the design process of the civil engineering structures. A large number of factors that affect the occurrence of liquefaction during earthquake exist a form of uncertainty of non-statistical nature. Fuzzy systems are used to handle uncertainty from the data that cannot be handled by classical methods. It uses the fuzzy set to represent a suitable mathematical tool for modeling of imprecision and vagueness. The pattern classification of fuzzy classifiers provides a means to extract fuzzy rules for information mining that leads to comprehensible method for knowledge extraction from various information sources. Therefore, it is necessary to handle the soil liquefaction problem in a rational framework of fuzzy set theory. This study investigates the feasibility of using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for predicting soil liquefaction during earthquake. In the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model of soil liquefaction, the following factors, such as earthquake intensity, standard penetration number, mean diameter and groundwater table, are selected as the evaluating indices. The results show that the method is a useful tool to assess the potential of soil liquefaction.     

The 2003 Lefkada earthquake: Field observations and preliminary microzonation map based on liquefaction potential index for the town of Lefkada

A strong earthquake (Mw = 6.2) occurred offshore the island of Lefkada (or Lefkas) on August 14, 2003. The maximum intensity has been evaluated Io = VIII (EMS) at Lefkada municipality, while VI to VII+ intensities were evaluated at many other villages of the island. The offshore NNE-SSW oriented strike-slip right-lateral fault was activated by the main shock. This fault is the northern termination of the Cephalonia transform fault. The most characteristic macroseismic effects were extensive typical ground failures like rock falls, soil liquefactions, subsidence, densification, ground cracks and landslides. These macroseismic effects are remarkably similar to those reported from some historical Lefkada shocks, e.g. 1704, 1914 (Ms = 6.3) and 1948 (Ms = 6.5). Sand boils and ground fissures with ejection of mud were observed at the seaside of the town of Lefkada, and in the villages of Nydri and Vassiliki.In situ soil profiles are obtained based mainly on borings after the earthquake. Boreholes records with SPT values (standard penetration test) are obtained and the “simplified procedure” originally developed by Seed and Idriss was employed to evaluate the liquefaction resistance of soils. The results indicated that the silty sandy layer, which lies beneath the artificial fill in the coastal zone in Lefkada town, had liquefied during the 14 August Earthquake. An attempt was also made to establish a preliminary microzonation map for Lefkada town using the data from Liquefaction Potential Index analyses. Our map was validated by the occurrence of liquefaction phenomena inside the town.     

Bayesian assessment of site‐specific performance of geotechnical design charts with unknown model uncertainty

Soil properties are indispensable input parameters in geotechnical design and analysis. In engineering practice, particularly for projects with relatively small or medium sizes, soil properties are often not measured directly, but estimated from geotechnical design charts using results of some commonly used laboratory or in situ tests. For example, effective friction angle ?′ of soil is frequently estimated using standard penetration test (SPT) N values and design charts relating SPT N values to ?′. Note that directly measured ?′ data are generally not available when (and probably why) the use of design charts is needed. Because design charts are usually developed from past observation data, on either empirical or semi‐theoretical basis, uncertainty is unavoidably involved in the design charts. This situation leads to two important questions in engineering practice: 1 how good or reliable are the soil properties estimated in a specific site when using the design charts? (or how to measure the performance of the design charts in a specific site?); and 2 how to incorporate rationally the model uncertainty when estimating soil properties using the design charts? This paper aims to address these two questions by developing a Bayesian statistical approach. In this paper, the second question is firstly addressed (i.e., soil properties are probabilistically characterized by rationally incorporating the model uncertainty in the design chart). Then, based on the characterization results obtained, an index is proposed to evaluate the site‐specific performance of design charts (i.e., to address the first question). Equations are derived for the proposed approach, and the proposed approach is illustrated using both real and simulated SPT data. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reexamination of effect of plasticity on liquefaction resistance of low-plasticity fine-grained soils and its potential application

The paper summarizes a compilation of existing cyclic experimental data on reconstituted and undisturbed specimens of low-plasticity fine-grained soils to assess liquefaction resistance. The authors normalized the data to reduce the effect of other relevant factors such as shear mode, density, effective confining stress and cyclic loading frequency. It is indicated that liquefaction resistance of the specimens reconstituted using slurry consolidation approach is lower than that of the undisturbed specimens. The liquefaction resistance for undisturbed specimens decreases with an increase in the plasticity index up to 4–5 and then increases with a further increase in plasticity index. A new correction factor K _PI to estimate the effect of plasticity index on cyclic resistance ratio is proposed for design purposes and added into the framework of liquefaction evaluation of claylike fine-grained soils with PI of 7–18 (change to 5–18, if ML–CL) on the base of the approach of Boulanger and Idriss. Because the effect of plasticity index on liquefaction resistance is slight when the plasticity index is <7, it is suggested that the liquefaction evaluation of sandlike fine-grained soils with PI of 0–7 (changed to 0–5, if ML–CL) follows the framework of simplified procedures using SPT and CPT data.     

基于Logistic回归模型的砂土液化概率评价

以国内外23次地震中200组场地液化实测数据为基础,通过Logistic回归分析,建立关联修正标准贯入击数N160cs与循环应力比CSR的液化概率模型。以50 %液化概率水平为液化与非液化的临界点,建立了指数形式的抗液化应力比CRR计算式,新建概率模型预测饱和砂土液化与非液化的成功率分别为85.71 %和76.14 %,具有较高的可靠性。与已有模型比较,使用了新的数据和修正系数,消除了一些不合理的偏差,总体判别结果偏于安全。为了将确定性分析方法与概率分析方法联系起来,建立了抗液化安全系数FS与液化概率PL的关系式。算例结果表明,新建概率模型简单、实用、可靠。     

Application of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for prediction of soil liquefaction

The determination of liquefaction potential of soils induced by earthquake is a major concern and an essential criterion in the design process of the civil engineering structures. A purely empirical interpretation of the filed case histories relating to liquefaction potential is often not well constrained due to the complication associated with this problem. In this study, an integrated fuzzy neural network model, called Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), is developed for the assessment of liquefaction potential. The model is trained with large databases of liquefaction case histories. Nine parameters such as earthquake magnitude, the water table, the total vertical stress, the effective vertical stress, the depth, the peak acceleration at the ground surface, the cyclic stress ratio, the mean grain size, and the measured cone penetration test tip resistance were used as input parameters. The results revealed that the ANFIS model is a fairly promising approach for the prediction of the soil liquefaction potential and capable of representing the complex relationship between seismic properties of soils and their liquefaction potential.     

Assessment of liquefaction and lateral spreading on the shore of Lake Sapanca during the Kocaeli (Turkey) earthquake

The 1999 Kocaeli earthquake of Turkey (M_w = 7.4) caused great destruction to buildings, bridges and other facilities, and a death tall of about 20,000. During this earthquake, severe damages due to soil liquefaction and associated ground deformations also occurred widespread in the eastern Marmara Region of Turkey. Soil liquefaction was commonly observed along the shorelines. One of these typical sites is Sapanca town founded on the shore of Lake Sapanca. This study was undertaken as quantitative measurement of ground deformations induced by liquefaction along the southern shore of Lake Sapanca. The permanent lateral ground deformation was measured through the aerial photogrammetry technique at several locations both along the shoreline and in the town. In situ soil profiles and material properties at Sapanca area were obtained based on the data from 55 borings and standard penetration tests (SPT), and laboratory tests, respectively. The data and the empirical methods recommended by an NCEER workshop were employed to evaluate the liquefaction resistance of the soils. In addition, simple shaking tests on a limited number of samples were also performed. The permanent ground displacements were estimated from the existing empirical models, sliding block method and residual visco-elastic finite element methods. Then these estimations were compared with the observed ground displacements. The assessments suggested that liquefaction at Sapanca have occurred within Quaternary alluvial fan deposits at depths 1 and 14 m, and the major regions of liquefaction and associated ground deformations were located along the shore and creeks. The evaluations also indicated that for sites with no sand boils but with ground displacement greater than 1 m, thickness of the non-liquefiable layer was large. It is also noted that no liquefaction-induced ground surface disruption is expected at the site when the thickness of the liquefiable and non-liquefiable layers vary between 0.5 and 1.5 m, and 3.5 and 5.5 m, respectively. Except one model, all the empirical models employed in the study over-predicted the observed lateral ground displacements, while sliding block method and residual visco-elastic finite element methods yielded reasonably good results if the known properties of liquefied soils are used.     

Steady state and liquefaction characteristics of gravely sands

Liquefaction of loose and saturated soils during earthquakes and strong ground motions has been a major cause of damage to buildings and earth embankments as well as other civil engineering structures. In order to evaluate the liquefaction potential and steady state characteristics of gravely sand of south west Tehran,a subsoil exploration program conducted dividing the region into 10 zones. In each zone of 500 m × 500 m a borehole of 20 m deep was drilled. SPT was performed at one meter intervals in each borehole and a total of 200 samples were recovered. Soils of similar grain size distribution have been considered to have similar steady state characteristics,therefore consolidated undrained triaxial tests were performed on these soils of similar grain size distribution to evaluate the steady state strength. The steady state line for each soil type was derived. Comparing the steady state strengths with the shear stress due to an earthquake with a PGA of 0.35 g,the potential of sand liquefaction and .ow failure in soil layers has been evaluated and the settlement of soil due to the liquefaction phenomena is calculated. Finally some recommendations for estimating the steady state strength from simple SPT test in gravely sands are presented.     

Experience of Vibrocompaction in Calcareous Sand of UAE

The study is concerned with the influence of various factors on vibro compaction in calcareous soils, This include effect of carbonate content, and influence of pore water pressures in sand, settlements during vibrocompaction, vibroaccelerations during sand column installation compared to earthquake accelerations and finally the liquefaction design based on average CPT parameters. Previous experiences with calcareous sands and literature review confirm the necessity to apply a correlation factor for calcareous material to the raw cone penetration resistance CPT values obtained in the field. Because of the very fragile grains of the Dubai calcareous sands the penetration resistance will be influenced by crushing and grinding. To accommodate for effect of calcareous sands on measured CPT values, a best fit correlations formula called here “correlation factor” is developed. A parametric dynamic triaxial liquefaction testing programme has been executed on representative samples with loose and dense zones. Representative testing parameters for field conditions and earthquake design accelerations have been applied indicating that ground improvement is necessary. It was observed during the dynamic triaxial tests that the whole soil mass consisting of dense columns and looser zones in between behaves jointly, and therefore compaction control using an average-CPT approach is possible.