Overview on Standards for Liquefaction Triggering Evaluation using the Simplified Method

Abstract

Evidence of liquefaction during the 2017 Pohang earthquake has highlighted the urgent need to evaluate the current seismic design standard for liquefaction in Korea, particularly the liquefaction triggering standard. With the simplified method, which is the most popular method for evaluating liquefaction triggering, the factor of safety for liquefaction triggering is calculated via the cyclic stress ratio (CSR) and the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR). The parameters in the CSR and CRR have undergone changes over time based on new research findings and lessons learned from liquefaction case-histories. Hence, the current design standard for liquefaction triggering evaluation in Korea should also reflect these changes to achieve seismic safety during future earthquakes. In this study, liquefaction susceptibility criteria were discussed initially and this was followed by a review of the current liquefaction triggering codes/guidelines in other countries and Korea. Next, the parameters associated with the CSR such as the maximum ground acceleration, stress reduction factor, magnitude scaling factor, and overburden correction factor were discussed in detail. Then, the evaluation of the CRR using the SPT N-value and CPT qc-value was elaborated along with overburden and clean-sand correction factors. Based on this review of liquefaction triggering evaluation standards, recommendations are made for improving the current seismic design standard related to liquefaction triggering in Korea.