Evaluation of Settlements in Sands Due to Earthquake Shaking

Abstract

Simplified methods of analysis are proposed for estimating probable settlements in either saturated or unsaturated sand deposits subjected to earthquake shaking. It is suggested that the primary factors controlling induced settlement are the cyclic stress ratio and maximum shear strain induced in saturated sands by the earthquake shaking and the cyclic strains induced in dry or partially saturated sands, together with the SPT N‐value of the sand and the magnitude of the earthquake. Charts are presented for estimating settlements using these parameters, and the results are shown to compare favorably with settlements observed at six sites for which good data on settlements have been observed.