Probabilistic Standard Penetration Test–Based Liquefaction–Triggering Procedure
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 10
Abstract
A probabilistic version of the Idriss and Boulanger standard penetration test (SPT)–based liquefaction triggering correlation is derived using a maximum likelihood approach and an updated case history database. Measurement and estimation uncertainties in the cyclic stress ratio (CSR) and SPT values and the effects of the choice-based sampling bias in the case history database are taken into account. The results of sensitivity analyses show that the position of the most likely triggering curve is well constrained by the case history data and that the magnitude of the total error term is also reasonably constrained. The most likely value for the SD of the error term in the triggering correlation is, however, found to be dependent on the uncertainties assigned to the CSR and . The results of the sensitivity study appear to provide reasonable bounds on the effects of different interpretations on the positions of the triggering curves for various probabilities of liquefaction. Methods for including model and parameter uncertainties in probabilistic liquefaction analyses are briefly discussed. The derived triggering correlation is compared with relationships developed from cyclic laboratory test results for specimens obtained using frozen sampling techniques.
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Acknowledgments
The writers are grateful for information and insights provided by numerous colleagues regarding the liquefaction case histories and analysis procedures that are the basis for the probabilistic relationships presented herein. Professor Steve Kramer provided comprehensive comments and suggestions regarding the development of probabilistic relationships that significantly improved this paper. Comments and suggestions regarding the probabilistic relationships presented herein were also provided by Dr. Lelio Mejia, Professor Jon Stewart, and Mr. Jack Montgomery. In addition, the authors benefited from the discussions of this topic with Professors Norm Abrahamson and Jack Baker.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 10 • October 2012
Pages: 1185 - 1195
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 21, 2011
Accepted: Jan 25, 2012
Published online: Jan 28, 2012
Published in print: Oct 1, 2012
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