Development and Implementation of Semiempirical Framework for Modeling Postliquefaction Shear Deformation Accumulation in Sands

Abstract

A framework for the estimation of coseismic deformations in the postliquefaction regime is developed based on an extensive database of available cyclic undrained stress-controlled tests on clean sand samples without static shear bias, covering a wide range of relative densities. Based on fundamental experimental observations, a compliance rate is defined as the postliquefaction shear strain rate per cycle over the shear stress amplitude. Semiempirical relationships of the compliance rate as a function of relative density are developed to provide guidance for estimating postliquefaction shear strains. The proposed framework provides a basis for the calibration of advanced constitutive models capable of capturing postliquefaction strain accumulation. A calibration methodology is proposed using both existing liquefaction resistance curves and the newly developed semiempirical relationships for estimating postliquefaction shear strain accumulation. The validity of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by numerical simulations, using the PM4Sand model, of two well-documented centrifuge tests focusing on liquefaction-induced demands on engineering structures.