Project:  Analytical-Empirical Estimation of Lateral Spreading Displacements

PI(s):  Steve Kramer

Sponsor:  University of Washington, WSDOT

Objective:  To develop an improved procedure for prediction of permanent displacements due to lateral spreading.

Research Approach:  Currently, the most commonly used techniques for estimation of lateral spreading displacements are of purely empirical origin. These techniques were developed through multiple regression analyses using a large database of lateral spreading case histories, and have been shown to predict lateral spreading displacements generally with a factor of 2. The physical basis of these techniques, however, is inconsistent with the known mechanics of lateral spreading and liquefiable soils. This project will use a new constitutive model, capable of representing the primary features of cyclic mobility, and nonlinear, effective-stress response analyses to identify a physically-reasonable form of a predictive relationship for lateral spreading displacements. This relationship will then be calibrated against lateral spreading case histories. The result is expected to produce a more accurate and more robust procedure for estimation of lateral spreading displacements.

For more information send E-Mail to: kramer@u.washington.edu