Soil Liquefaction Response in Mid-America Evaluated by Seismic Piezocone Tests

The Mid-America earthquake region is now recognized as containing significant seismic hazards from historically-large events that were centered near New Madrid, MO in 1811 and 1812 and Charleston, SC in 1886. Large events prior to these times are also acknowledged. Methods for evaluating ground hazards as a result of soil liquefaction and site amplification are needed in order to properly assess risks and consequences of the next seismic event in these areas. In-situ tests provide quick, economical, and practical means for these purposes. The seismic piezocone penetration test (SCPTu) is a hybrid insitu test method, which provides downhole measurements of shear wave velocity in addition to penetration test parameters within a single vertical sounding. The SCPTu provides four independent readings that can be used for soil classification, site amplification analysis, direct liquefaction analysis, as well estimation of soil properties for a rational engineering assessment of soil liquefaction.National Science Foundation EEC-970178