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Manifestation and evaluation of soil liquefaction, related ground deformation, and lateral spreading. Effects on shallow foundations, analysis and design of piles, effects on buried pipe networks. Advanced liquefaction analysis. Seismic assessment of geotechnical structures within the performance-based framework.
The course focuses on soil liquefaction and its evaluation. The following subjects are covered in depth, both from a mechanics perspective and application/design viewpoint: state concept interpretation of monotonic behaviour of sands; cyclic behaviour of sand; liquefaction manifestation in the field; ground motion parameters and site investigations for liquefaction assessment; simplified methods for evaluation of liquefaction triggering, liquefaction-induced ground deformation (settlement and transient ground displacements), instability (residual strength) and lateral spreading; assessment of effects of liquefaction on shallow foundations; analysis and design of piles in liquefying soils; effects of liquefaction on buried pipe networks; concepts behind the advanced effective stress analysis of liquefaction problems; seismic assessment of geotechnical structures within the performance-based framework.All topics are discussed using observations from case histories in recent earthquakes, benchmark laboratory studies, and field testing data. Estimation of liquefaction-induced instability and ground deformation, and assessment of deep foundations and shallow foundations are discussed using illustrative worked examples.Well-documented case histories from the 2010-2011 Christchurch and 2016 Kaikoura earthquakes, as well as other important earthquakes, are discussed and used to illustrate key mechanisms and aspects of liquefaction.Course Content(1) Background in engineering seismology, ground motions, and seismic demand(2) State concept interpretation of monotonic behaviour of sands; liquefaction mechanism and associated phenomena(3) Factors affecting cyclic behaviour of sands and liquefaction(4) Liquefaction evaluation: triggering (SPT, CPT, Vs methods)(5) Evaluation of liquefaction-induced instability and ground deformation(6) Evaluation of effects of liquefaction on deep foundations(7) Effects of liquefaction on shallow foundations(8) Liquefaction mitigation(9) Advanced seismic analysis (effective stress analysis)
(a) Discuss and explain mechanisms of soil liquefaction and associated phenomena(b) Describe state-concept interpretation of soil behaviour, ground motion, and site parameters required for liquefaction assessment(c) Examine key factors affecting liquefaction resistance and mitigation strategies(d) Interpret and apply semi-empirical procedures for evaluation of liquefaction triggering and for estimating liquefaction-induced settlements(e) Classify lateral spreads; estimate lateral spreading displacements and associated loads on structures.(f) Interpret performance of shallow and deep foundations in liquefying soils(g) Analyse effects of liquefaction on land and engineering structures using simplified (state-of-the-practice) and advanced (state-of-the-art) assessment procedures.
Subject to approval of the Head of Department or the Programme Director.
ENCI620
This is a lecture and independent-study course. The lectures will be delivered in a block-mode, over six days.
Mark Stringer
The assessment for this paper will comprise two components – assignments and final exam. The assignments will be used to ensure the student has an adequate grasp of the theoretical basis of the taught material, particularly related to computational aspects. The final exam will focus on theoretical and practical (but not simulation-intensive) aspects of the course. Students who are not located in Christchurch can sit the final exam in their home city if they can arrange a recognised IPENZ engineer to supervise (i.e., someone with CPEng).
A large number of scientific articles will be provided by the course coordinator.Background information, some chapters of: Kramer, S.L. (1996). “Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering”. Prentice-Hall, pp. 653. Ishihara, K. (1996). “Soil Behaviour in Earthquake Geotechnics”. Oxford Press, pp. 350. Idriss I.M. and Boulanger R. (2008). Soil liquefaction during earthquakes. Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, MNO-12.
1. Final exam: A minimum pass mark of 40% in the exam is required in order for a student to pass the course.2. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Late submissions will not be accepted. If a student is unable to complete and submit an assignment by the deadline due to personal circumstances beyond their control they should discuss this with the lecturer involved as soon as possible (preferably prior to the due date).3. Lecture notes, assignments, and course information will be available and continuously updated on LEARN.4. All communication with the class will be done through lectures, email, or via Learn.
Domestic fee $1,133.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 5 people apply to enrol.
For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .