Effects of Layer Thickness and Density on Settlement and Lateral Spreading
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 130, Issue 6
Abstract
This paper presents the results of six large-scale centrifuge model tests that were performed to study the effect of relative density and thickness of sand layers on the amount of settlement and lateral spreading. The models included a “river” channel with clay flood banks underlain by layers of loose and dense sand of variable thickness, and a bridge abutment surcharge on one of the banks. The model container was tilted to provide an overall slope to the model. Each model was subjected to three or four significant ground motion events, which were obtained by scaling the amplitude of recordings of the Kobe (1995) and Loma Prieta (1989) earthquakes. Several measurements of acceleration, pore water pressure, settlement, and lateral movement are presented. The liquefaction potential index and a deformation index, which combine the influences of depth, density, and layer thickness, were found to correlate reasonably well with liquefaction induced settlements and lateral deformations for the range of models tested and indicate that centrifuge results are consistent with field observations.
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Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 130 • Issue 6 • June 2004
Pages: 603 - 614
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 3, 2002
Accepted: Aug 26, 2003
Published online: May 14, 2004
Published in print: Jun 2004
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