Evaluation of liquefaction potential of coarse grained soils based on an identification test

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Ivo Herle; Professor Dr.-Ing. Torsten Wichtmann
• Subject Area: Geotechnics, Hydraulic Engineering
• Term: from 2016 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316451575

A quick check of the tendency to soil liquefaction or a quick comparison of the liquefaction potential for different soils has so far been problematic as a systematic methodology for laboratory testing is very time consuming and reserved for specialized laboratories only. The first phase of this project dealt with the development of a simple method (identification test) for a rapid and systematic investigation of the liquefaction tendency of coarse-grained soils. In the second phase, a detailed validation of the identification test based on the results of the cyclic triaxial test will be carried out. Furthermore, it should be clarified whether the conventional limit void ratios and the relative density are suitable quantities for the evaluation of the tendency of soils to liquefaction. In this context, the influence of the soil internal structure (sample preparation method) on the soil liquefaction tendency will be examined. Since the liquefaction tendency of a soil is strongly influenced by the granulometric properties of the soil, it should be clarified whether it is possible, using the identification test, to draw a conclusion on different grain shapes or grain surface roughnesses in case of soils with the same grain size distribution. Furthermore, it will be examined whether the prediction of the soil tendency to liquefaction based on the volumetric behavior in a drained identification test is meaningfull. Accompanying the investigations in the identification test, the analysis in the cyclic triaxial test is planned.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants