Disturbed state concept for modeling of dynamic response of saturated sands

The purpose of this research is to develop improved model for simulation of loose saturated sands behavior such as liquefaction based on a general concept, called the disturbed state concept (DSC). The disturbed state concept can allow incorporation of microstructural changes due to applied forces, that cause transitions in the material from relative intact(RI) state, through a process of natural self adjustment, to the fully adjustment(FA) or critical state. The use of DSC method to define the liquefaction potential is verified through laboratory tests of truly triaxial test and cyclic triaxial test on saturated sand specimens. Based on the analytical results of DSC method, the relationship between the factors affecting liquefaction characteristics-relative density and initial effective confining stress--and physical properties of the saturated sand--xi(D) and Dc--is found. In general, the model predictions are found to provide satisfactory correlation with the test results.