The Seismic Dilatometer Marchetti Test (SDMT) for Evaluating Liquefaction Potential under Cyclic Loading

This paper present a K_D-CRR corrected relation for sandy soils potential liquefaction evaluation under cyclic loading, on the basis of previous tentative CRR-K_D curves proposed. The new tentative correlation for evaluating CRR from K_D, was formulated by combining previous CRR-K_D correlations with the vast experience incorporated in current methods based on CPT and SPT for the evaluation of liquefaction potential. The Seismic Dilatometer Marchetti Test (SDMT) has the advantage, in comparison with CPT and SPT tests, to measure independent parameters, such as the Horizontal Stress Index (K_D). A re-evaluation of CRR-K_D correlation has been also made taking into account the numerous recent SDMT. The results show that the Horizontal Stress Index (K_D) is a key-parameter and is very sensitive to potential liquefaction behaviour under cyclic loading. The plotted correlation with critical values of K_D is very simple to use for detecting liquefaction potential of soils. CPT, SPT and SDMT data have been then used in the evaluation of the potential liquefaction at San Giuseppe La Rena site in Catania (Sicily, Italy), which is recognized as a typical Mediterranean city at high seismic risk.