Probabilistic Approach for Determination of Liquefaction Potential

Abstract

This paper investigates the susceptibility of soil to liquefaction using a probabilistic approach. In order to determine the factor of safety against the potential for liquefaction, a Monte Carlo approach to the probabilistic determination of liquefaction is used instead of the traditional deterministic approach. In the proposed approach, variability is considered in the properties of the soil and in the control motion. Final results are given in terms of probability of occurrence. The approach described in this paper is applied to a homogeneous sand profile and to an actual site with a soil profile that includes both sand and clay. Parameters that may be significant for the occurrence of liquefaction are investigated for these particular examples.