Work

DMT-based liquefaction triggering procedure accounting for the fines content effect

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The application of semi-empirical charts based on in-situ testing results represents the first step in the earthquake-induced soil liquefaction assessment. Among them, the CPT-based charts have been largely developed in the last decades, especially after the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes in New Zealand, while the main drawback of the existing approach based on DMT is related to the lack of a correction factor for the fines content. In this regard, this study proposes a new empirical relationship between the cyclic resistance ratio and the horizontal stress index where the effects of the fines content are incorporated. The new method is calibrated on specific sites located in the Emilia-Romagna plain (Italy), where an extensive soil characterization from in-situ and laboratory tests was available for the silty sand and sandy silt deposits affected by liquefaction after the 2012 Emilia earthquake. The performance of the new curve accounting for the fines content effect is compared with that obtained by adopting the “clean sand” curves proposed in the past, as well as with that obtained by using the most recent CPT-based method. Even though verified only for specific Italian soils and requiring further field validation, the proposed approach appears as promising to improve the DMT-based liquefaction assessment in silty sands. • A new chart for liquefaction based on the results of Flat Dilatometer tests accounting for the role of the fines content. • Estimation of the fines content based on the DMT material index I D according to two different relationships. • Increase of CRR due to the fines content assessed on experimental data of soils that experienced liquefaction in the past. • Calibration procedure for an easy-to-use application of the method. • Application of the proposed method to a real liquefaction site and comparison with the CPT-based liquefaction chart.

Source: Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2025.109668

Authors: Anna Chiaradonna, Paola Monaco

Institution: University of L'Aquila

Language: English

Topic: Geotechnical Engineering and Soil Mechanics

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funders: Dipartimento della Protezione Civile, Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Università degli Studi dell'Aquila, Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca, Ministero dell'Istruzione e del Merito