Fines content determination through geotechnical and geophysical tests for liquefaction assessment in the Emilia alluvial plain (Ferrara, Italy)

Abstract

The influence of the fines content on the cyclic resistance has been widely studied and the importance of the determination of this parameter from different geotechnical tests has been underlined for liquefaction assessments. Geotechnical evidences from local investigations may however not completely reflect the lateral subsoil variability, which is important for the identification of localized potential liquefaction phenomena. Geophysical tests can be useful in the imaging of these lateral variations and related fines content variability. In this study calibration of existing fines content correlations with piezocone tests are accomplished and new specific correlations are proposed to assess the fines content both from flat dilatometer and geophysical tests in two liquefied research sites of the Emilia alluvial plain (Italy), following the 2012 earthquakes. The proposed correlations are tested in a third site showing the usefulness of the fines content determination for liquefaction assessment, and its imaging in 1D and 2D profiles.