Calibration of Vs-based empirical models for assessing soil liquefaction potential using expanded database

Abstract

The shear wave velocity (Vs)-based method of assessing the liquefaction susceptibility of soils has given geotechnical engineers a promising alternative for determining soil resistance to seismic liquefaction. Through the use of an expanded global case histories of soil liquefaction, the authors obtained a new calibrated correlation equation for liquefaction triggering analysis. This new liquefaction triggering correlation was found to be reasonably conservative, and yet insensitive to the variations in the components of the adopted simplified analysis framework. A probabilistic version of the liquefaction triggering correlation, obtained with the weighted maximum-likelihood technique, was validated using a weighted empirical probability approach. Three zones of liquefaction potential, transitioning from non-liquefaction to liquefaction, were then defined based on liquefaction probability contours.