Procedure to Evaluate Earthquake-Induced Settlements in Dry Sandy Soils

Abstract

A simple method is proposed for the evaluation of earthquake-induced settlements in dry sands. The method consists of a set of equations that can be used to predict directly the settlements of a sand layer subjected to seismic loading. This new analytical method is based on Tokimatsu and Seed's (1987) procedure, but does not require numerous iterations or the use of charts, tables, or diagrams. One of the main advantages of the proposed method is that it can be easily implemented numerically and allows the expeditious analysis of complicated profiles. It is particularly useful for sensitivity analyses and for analyzing profiles with numerous layers. Its application to case histories shows that this new method is in agreement with the settlements observed at two sites. It also agrees with predictions obtained using other methods.