Modern Approaches to Earthquake-Induced Liquefaction Assessment

Earthquake-induced liquefaction continues to present significant challenges for geotechnical engineers responsible for the design and assessment of buildings, transportation infrastructure, ports, dams, and other critical assets. While simplified assessment methods remain widely used, increasingly complex projects often require more advanced analytical techniques to accurately evaluate liquefaction potential, ground deformation, and seismic performance.

This practical webinar explores the evolution of liquefaction assessment from traditional screening procedures to modern nonlinear effective-stress analyses. Participants will examine the strengths and limitations of current assessment methods, the role of geological and site-specific investigations, constitutive modelling principles, and the practical application of advanced numerical analyses. Through real-world examples, the session provides guidance on selecting appropriate assessment methodologies, interpreting results, and delivering defensible engineering solutions for a range of infrastructure projects.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Fundamentals of earthquake-induced liquefaction and geotechnical hazards
• The Seed-Idriss simplified liquefaction assessment procedure
• Limitations of simplified triggering, settlement, and lateral spreading methods
• Geological and soil fabric considerations in liquefaction screening
• Nonlinear effective-stress site response analysis
• Constitutive modelling principles for liquefaction assessment
• Field investigations and laboratory testing requirements
• Validation and interpretation of analytical results
• Selecting appropriate assessment methods based on project complexity and risk
• Practical applications across buildings, bridges, ports, dams, tailings facilities, and transport infrastructure