Cyclic simple shear testing for assessing liquefaction mitigation by fibre reinforcement

Earthquake induced soil liquefaction represents a significant hazard. Fibre reinforcement, whether by artificial fibres or plant roots, has been suggested as a potential method for miti-gating soil liquefaction and has shown promise in a number of physical modelling studies. However, the mechanism by which the fibres work to counteract liquefaction is not yet well understood. This work describes a programme of Cyclic Simple Shear (CSS) testing on HST 95 sand with Loksand synthetic fibres undertaken to investigate this mechanism and improve understanding. The results suggest that the addition of fibres does not prevent or delay the oc-currence of liquefaction, but most likely restrains the large deformations which would occur after the soil has liquefied