The Influence of Stress-induced Densification and Centrifuge Model Preparation Method for Soil Liquefaction

Centrifuge tests have shown that a uniformly placed sand layer will first initiate liquefaction near the surface and that liquefaction will progress downward during shaking. This appears to be in conflict with the overburden stress effect on soil liquefaction (i.e., effect) observed in laboratory testing. This discrepancy can be explained by stress-induced densification at depth which overcomes the effect of confining stress on liquefaction resistance. Stress densification occurs in centrifuge model tests but its effect has generally not been considered when preparing or evaluating centrifuge models. A new centrifuge model preparation method is proposed by considering stress-induced densification upon spin-up. The proposed method can be used to explore effects. The method is supported in this study by numerical predictions.