Index Properties-Based Criteria for Liquefaction Susceptibility of Clayey Soils: A Critical Assessment
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 1
Abstract
The Cooper marl in Charleston, S.C., a deep layer of clayey soils approximately 5– below the ground surface, is generally recognized as nonliquefiable material. Data from field cone penetration tests and laboratory tests of samples taken from the Cooper marl are used to investigate the adequacy of index properties-based criteria for assessing liquefaction susceptibility of clayey soils. In particular, the criterion based on soil behavior type index and that based on Atterberg limits are examined. The results show that the Atterberg limits-based criterion adequately reflected the characteristics of the marl, whereas the -based criterion erroneously identified the marl as being liquefiable. A possible reason for the deficiency of and a modification to overcome this deficiency are presented.
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Acknowledgments
The study was supported by the National Science Foundation through Grant No. NSFCMS-0218365 and the United States Geological Survey through Grant No. UNSPECIFIED05HQGR0037. This financial support is greatly appreciated. The opinions expressed in this note do not necessarily reflect the view and policies of the National Science Foundation or the United States Geological Survey. The anonymous reviewers are thanked for their supportive and constructive comments.
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© 2007 ASCE.
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Received: Feb 7, 2006
Accepted: Jun 14, 2006
Published online: Jan 1, 2007
Published in print: Jan 2007
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