Technical Papers
Feb 24, 2024

Liquefaction Potential and Sediment Ejecta Manifestation of Thinly Interbedded Sands and Fine-Grained Soils: Palinurus Road Site in Christchurch Subjected to 2010–2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence

Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 5

Abstract

The effect of spatial variability on the liquefaction prediction and liquefaction-induced ground failure of a soil profile with thinly interbedded layer of sand and clay was examined using simplified procedures and fully coupled two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA). The Palinurus Road site in Christchurch, New Zealand, subjected to the 2010 Darfield and 2011 Christchurch events, was selected for the analyses. The liquefaction vulnerability of the site was estimated using one-dimensional (1D) liquefaction vulnerability indices (LVIs), and the results were compared with the results of NDAs and field observations. Spatially correlated random fields conditioned on corrected cone penetration tests (CPTs) were generated based on sand-like and claylike portions of the interbedded soil profile. CPT data were corrected for the thin-layer and transition zone effects. The generated random fields were assigned to the interbedded layer of the stochastic model to examine the effect of spatial variability on the system dynamic response, cross-interaction between layers, and liquefaction-induced diffusion during the evolution of liquefaction and postliquefaction. The potential of sediment ejecta manifestation using the artesian flow potential (AFP) and ejecta potential index (EPI) also was investigated for the stochastic models and compared with those of deterministic models. This study demonstrates the value of advanced 2D NDA modeling with realistic soil spatial variability for understanding inconsistent ejecta predictions from simplified tools. The approach can guide future refinements to assessment procedures and provide insights into key factors controlling manifestation in complex stratified sites.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

Data Availability Statement

Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available upon reasonable request.

References

Ahmadi, M. M., and P. K. Robertson. 2005. “Thin-layer effects on the CPT qc measurement.” Can. Geotech. J. 42 (5): 1302–1317. https://doi.org/10.1139/t05-036.
Bassal, P. C., and R. W. Boulanger. 2021. “System response of an interlayered deposit with spatially preferential liquefaction manifestations.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 147 (12): 05021013. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002684.
Bassal, P. C., R. W. Boulanger, B. R. Cox, K. M. Yost, and J. T. DeJong. 2020. “Dynamic analyses of liquefaction at Palinurus Road in the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence.” In Proc., 40th USSD Annual Meeting and Conf., 1–17. Westminster, CO: United States Society on Dams.
Bassal, P. C., R. W. Boulanger, and J. T. DeJong. 2022. “System response of an interlayered deposit with spatially distributed ground deformations in the Chi-Chi earthquake.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 148 (10): 05022004. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002869.
Begg, J., K. Jones, and D. Barrell. 2015a. “Geology and geomorphology of urban Christchurch and eastern Canterbury.” In GNS science geological map 3. Lower Hutt, New Zealand: Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited (GNS Science).
Begg, J. G., K. E. Jones, M. S. Rattenbury, D. J. A. Barrell, R. Ramilo, and D. Beetham. 2015b. “A 3D geological model for Christchurch city (New Zealand): A contribution to the post-earthquake re-build.” In Engineering geology for society and territory-volume 5: Urban geology, sustainable planning and landscape exploitation, 881–884. New York: Springer.
Boulanger, R. W., and J. T. DeJong. 2018. “Inverse filtering procedure to correct cone penetration data for thin-layer and transition effects.” In Proc., Cone Penetration Testing, edited by M. A. Hicks, F. Pisanò, and J. Peuchen, 25–44. Delft, Netherlands: Delft Univ. of Technology.
Boulanger, R. W., and I. M. Idriss. 2014. CPT and SPT based liquefaction triggering procedures. Davis, CA: Univ. of California at Davis.
Boulanger, R. W., and J. Montgomery. 2016. “Nonlinear deformation analyses of an embankment dam on a spatially variable liquefiable deposit.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 91 (Mar): 222–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2016.07.027.
Boulanger, R. W., S. K. Munter, C. P. Krage, and J. T. DeJong. 2019. “Liquefaction evaluation of interbedded soil deposit: Çark Canal in 1999 M7. 5 Kocaeli Earthquake.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 145 (9): 05019007. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002089.
Boulanger, R. W., and K. Ziotopoulou. 2017. PM4Sand (version 3.1): A sand plasticity model for earthquake engineering applications. Davis, CA: Center for Geotechnical Modeling.
Boulanger, R. W., and K. Ziotopoulou. 2018. “PM4Silt (version 1): A silt plasticity model for earthquake engineering applications.”. Davis, CA: Univ. of California, Davis.
Boulanger, R. W., and K. Ziotopoulou. 2019. “A constitutive model for clays and plastic silts in plane-strain earthquake engineering applications.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 127 (Mar): 105832. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2019.105832.
Bradley, B. A. 2013. “A New Zealand-specific pseudospectral acceleration ground-motion prediction equation for active shallow crustal earthquakes based on foreign models.” Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am. 103 (3): 1801–1822. https://doi.org/10.1785/0120120021.
Bradley, B. A. 2014. “Site-specific and spatially-distributed ground-motion intensity estimation in the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 61 (Jun): 83–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2014.01.025.
Bradley, B. A., and M. Cubrinovski. 2011. “Near-source strong ground motions observed in the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.” Seismol. Res. Lett. 82 (6): 853–865. https://doi.org/10.1785/gssrl.82.6.853.
Cubrinovski, M., et al. 2011. “Geotechnical aspects of the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.” Bull. N. Z. Soc. Earthquake Eng. 44 (4): 205–226. https://doi.org/10.5459/bnzsee.44.4.205-226.
Cubrinovski, M. 2013. Liquefaction-induced damage in the2010–2011 Christchurch (New Zealand) earthquakes. Chicago: International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering.
Cubrinovski, M., D. Henderson, and B. Bradley. 2012. Liquefaction impacts in residential areas in the 2010–2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Tokyo: International Symposium on Engineering Lessons Learned from the Giant Earthquake.
Cubrinovski, M., A. Rhodes, N. Ntritsos, and S. Van Ballegooy. 2019. “System response of liquefiable deposits.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 124 (Sep): 212–229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2018.05.013.
Darendeli, M. B. 2001. Development of a new family of normalized modulus reduction and material damping curves. Austin, TX: Univ. of Texas at Austin.
DeGroot, D. J. 1996. “Analyzing spatial variability of in situ soil properties.” In Uncertainty in the geologic environment: From theory to practice, 210–238. New York: ASCE.
Fear, C. E., and P. K. Robertson. 1995. “Estimating the undrained strength of sand: A theoretical framework.” Can. Geotech. J. 32 (5): 859–870. https://doi.org/10.1139/t95-082.
Geyin, M., B. W. Maurer, B. A. Bradley, R. A. Green, and S. van Ballegooy. 2021. “CPT-based liquefaction case histories compiled from three earthquakes in Canterbury, New Zealand.” Earthquake Spectra 37 (4): 2920–2945. https://doi.org/10.1177/8755293021996367.
Hutabarat, D., and J. D. Bray. 2021a. “Effective stress analysis of liquefiable sites to estimate the severity of sediment ejecta.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 147 (5): 04021024. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002503.
Hutabarat, D., and J. D. Bray. 2021b. “Seismic response characteristics of liquefiable sites with and without sediment ejecta manifestation.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 147 (6): 04021040. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002506.
Hutabarat, D., and J. D. Bray. 2022. “Estimating the severity of liquefaction ejecta using the cone penetration test.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 148 (3): 04021195. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002744.
Idriss, I. M., and R. W. Boulanger. 2008. Soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Oakland, CA: Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.
Khosravi, M., J. T. DeJong, R. W. Boulanger, A. Khosravi, M. Hajialilue-Bonab, S. K. Sinha, and D. Wilson. 2022. “Centrifuge tests of cone-penetration test of layered soil.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 148 (4): 04022002. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002716.
Kottke, A. R., and E. M. Rathje. 2009. Technical manual for Strata. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center Berkeley.
Kuhlemeyer, R. L., and J. Lysmer. 1973. “Finite element method accuracy for wave propagation problems.” J. Soil Mech. Found. Div. 99 (5): 421–427. https://doi.org/10.1061/JSFEAQ.0001885.
Markham, C. S., J. D. Bray, J. Macedo, and R. Luque. 2016. “Evaluating nonlinear effective stress site response analyses using records from the Canterbury earthquake sequence.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 82 (Mar): 84–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2015.12.007.
Maurer, B. W., R. A. Green, M. Cubrinovski, and B. A. Bradley. 2014. “Evaluation of the liquefaction potential index for assessing liquefaction hazard in Christchurch, New Zealand.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 140 (7): 04014032. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001117.
Maurer, B. W., R. A. Green, S. van Ballegooy, and L. Wotherspoon. 2019. “Development of region-specific soil behavior type index correlations for evaluating liquefaction hazard in Christchurch, New Zealand.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 117 (Feb): 96–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2018.04.059.
McLaughlin, K. A. 2017. “Investigation of false-positive liquefaction case history sites in Christchurch, New Zealand.” M.S. thesis, Dept. of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Texas at Austin.
Montgomery, J., and R. W. Boulanger. 2017. “Effects of spatial variability on liquefaction-induced settlement and lateral spreading.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 143 (1): 04016086. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001584.
Munter, S. K., C. P. Krage, R. W. Boulanger, J. T. DeJong, and J. Montgomery. 2016. “Potential for liquefaction-induced lateral spreading in interbedded deposits considering spatial variability.” In Proc., Geotechnical and Structural Engineering Congress 2016, 1484–1494. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Ntritsos, N., and M. Cubrinovski. 2021. “Scrutiny of input motions for effective stress analysis of case-history sites from the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 144 (Feb): 106670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2021.106670.
Ntritsos, N., M. Cubrinovski, and B. A. Bradley. 2021. “Challenges in the definition of input motions for forensic ground-response analysis in the near-source region.” Earthquake Spectra 37 (4): 2562–2595. https://doi.org/10.1177/87552930211001376.
NZGD (New Zealand Geotechnical Database). 2019. Investigation logs; Canterbury maps, collated investigation data: Event specific groundwater surface elevations (CGD0800). Wellington, New Zealand: Earthquake Commission.
Pretell, R., K. Ziotopoulou, and C. A. Davis. 2021. “Liquefaction and cyclic softening at Balboa Boulevard during the 1994 Northridge earthquake.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 147 (2): 05020014. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0002417.
Robertson, P. K. 2009. “Interpretation of cone penetration tests–A unified approach.” Can. Geotech. J. 46 (11): 1337–1355. https://doi.org/10.1139/T09-065.
Robertson, P. K., and K. L. Cabal. 2015. Guide to cone penetration testing for geotechnical engineering. Signal Hill, CA: Gregg Drilling & Testing.
Robertson, P. K., C. E. Fear, D. J. Woeller, and I. Weemees. 1995. “Estimation of sand compressibility from seismic CPT.” In Vol. 1 of Proc., 48th Canadian Geotechnical Conf., 441–448. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Canadian Geotechnical Society.
Robertson, P. K., and C. E. Wride. 1998. “Evaluating cyclic liquefaction potential using the cone penetration test.” Can. Geotech. J. 35 (3): 442–459. https://doi.org/10.1139/t98-017.
Silva, W. 1988. Soil response to earthquake ground motion. Walnut Creek, CA: Woodward-Clyde Consultants.
Weissmann, G. S., S. F. Carle, and G. E. Fogg. 1999. “Three-dimensional hydrofacies modeling based on soil surveys and transition probability geostatistics.” Water Resour. Res. 35 (6): 1761–1770. https://doi.org/10.1029/1999WR900048.
Wotherspoon, L. M., R. P. Orense, B. Bradley, B. R. Cox, C. M. Wood, and R. A. Green. 2013. “Soil profile characterization of Christchurch strong motion stations.” In Proc., Same Risks–New Realities 2013 Conf. Wellington, New Zealand: New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering.
Wotherspoon, L. M., R. P. Orense, R. A. Green, B. A. Bradley, B. R. Cox, and C. M. Wood. 2015. “Assessment of liquefaction evaluation procedures and severity index frameworks at Christchurch strong motion stations.” Soil Dyn. Earthquake Eng. 79 (Dec): 335–346. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2015.03.022.
Yost, K. M., B. R. Cox, L. Wotherspoon, R. W. Boulanger, S. Van Ballegooy, and M. Cubrinovski. 2019. “In situ investigation of false-positive liquefaction sites in Christchurch, New Zealand: Palinurus road case history.” In Geo-Congress 2019: Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 436–451. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Youd, T. L., and I. M. Idriss. 2001. “Liquefaction resistance of soils: Summary report from the 1996 NCEER and 1998 NCEER/NSF workshops on evaluation of liquefaction resistance of soils.” J. Geotech. Geoenviron. Eng. 127 (4): 297–313. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2001)127:4(297).

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 150Issue 5May 2024

History

Received: Jan 11, 2023
Accepted: Dec 5, 2023
Published online: Feb 24, 2024
Published in print: May 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jul 24, 2024

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

ASCE Technical Topics:

Authors

Affiliations

Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Montana State Univ., Bozeman, MT 59717(corresponding author). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2158-2973. Email: [email protected]
Shahabeddin Zaregarizi [email protected]
Graduate Student, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Montana State Univ., Bozeman, MT 59717. Email: [email protected]

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share