Examination and Reevalaution of SPT-Based Liquefaction Triggering Case Histories
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VIEW THE REPLYPublication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138, Issue 8
Abstract
A standard penetration test (SPT)-based liquefaction case history database for liquefaction triggering criteria is reexamined and reevaluated. The updated database incorporates a number of additional case histories, replaces prior estimates of earthquake magnitudes with current estimates of their moment magnitudes, uses improved estimates of peak ground accelerations when available, and includes a reexamination of the selection and computation of representative SPT values for most case histories. The approach used to select and compute representative SPT values is illustrated using select case histories. The distribution of the case history data relative to the Idriss-Boulanger triggering correlation is examined for any bias with respect to various parameters and to identify the conditions that are, and are not, well covered by available case history data.
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Acknowledgments
The material included in this paper is based on the fuller examination of the database and other components of the SPT-based liquefaction triggering methodology covered in the report by Idriss and Boulanger (2010). The writers are grateful for information and insights provided by numerous colleagues regarding liquefaction case histories and analysis procedures over the years. For the aforementioned 2010 report, specific information on certain case histories was provided by Prof. Kohji Tokimatsu and Drs. Michael Bennett, Tom Holzer, and Rob Kayen. Prof. Russell Green and Ms. Kathryn Gunberg provided valuable review comments on portions of the database. Dr. Mike Beaty provided detailed and comprehensive suggestions that improved the quality of the study. Additional comments and suggestions regarding different components of the report were provided by Drs. Richard Armstrong, David Gillette, Thomas Holzer, Erik Malvick, Yoshi Moriwaki, and Lelio Mejia, Profs. Jon Bray, Steve Kramer, Bruce Kutter, James Mitchell, and Jon Stewart, and Messrs. Jack Montgomery and Steve Verigin. The comments and suggestions received from these colleagues significantly improved the report.
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Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 138 • Issue 8 • August 2012
Pages: 898 - 909
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© 2012. American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Jul 21, 2011
Accepted: Nov 15, 2011
Published online: Dec 14, 2011
Published in print: Aug 1, 2012
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