Static and cyclic liquefaction potential of Fraser Delta sand in simple shear and triaxial tests

TLDR

Current reduction factors for cyclic triaxial resistance used to represent simple shear response may be overly conservative in design. The study assesses static and cyclic liquefaction potential of Fraser Delta sand under simple shear conditions typical of earthquake shaking and compares it with conventional triaxial stress conditions. Simple shear tests were performed on Fraser Delta sand to evaluate liquefaction potential, and results were compared with conventional triaxial tests. Liquefaction potential is strongly influenced by stress path, and direct measurements under earthquake‑like stress conditions could yield significant economic benefits. Keywords: sand, liquefaction, static, cyclic, triaxial, simple shear.

Abstract

The potential for static and cyclic liquefaction of the sand that underlies the highly seismic Fraser Delta is assessed under simple shear test conditions, typical of an earthquake shaking. A comparison of liquefaction potential is also made between simple shear and conventional triaxial stress conditions. It is shown that the liquefaction potential of sand is profoundly influenced by the stress path. The reduction factors currently applied to the cyclic triaxial resistance for representing simple shear response may involve a large degree of conservatism in design. A direct measurement of soil behaviour under stress conditions typical of earthquake loading may thus have large economic benefits. Key words: sand, liquefaction, static, cyclic, triaxial, simple shear.