TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jul 15, 2003

Yield Strength Ratio and Liquefaction Analysis of Slopes and Embankments

Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 129, Issue 8

Abstract

A procedure is proposed to evaluate the triggering of liquefaction in ground subjected to a static shear stress, i.e., sloping ground, using the yield strength ratio, su(yield)/σv0. Thirty liquefaction flow failures were back analyzed to evaluate shear strengths and strength ratios mobilized at the triggering of liquefaction. Strength ratios mobilized during the static liquefaction flow failures ranged from approximately 0.24 to 0.30 and are correlated to corrected cone and standard penetration resistances. These yield strength ratios and previously published liquefied strength ratios are used to develop a comprehensive liquefaction analysis for ground subjected to a static shear stress. This analysis addresses: (1) liquefaction susceptibility; (2) liquefaction triggering; and (3) post-triggering/flow failure stability. In particular, step (2) uses the yield strength ratio back-calculated from flow failure case histories and the cyclic stress method to incorporate seismic loading.

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Go to Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 129Issue 8August 2003
Pages: 727 - 737

History

Received: Aug 18, 2000
Accepted: Oct 20, 2002
Published online: Jul 15, 2003
Published in print: Aug 2003

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Scott M. Olson, A.M.ASCE
Project Manager, URS Corporation, 1001 Highlands Plaza Dr. West, Suite 300, St. Louis, MO 63110.
Timothy D. Stark, M.ASCE
Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Urbana, IL 61801.

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