Seismic response of adjacent dense and loose saturated sand columns

Compaction or densification of loose saturated soils has been the most popular method of reducing earthquake related liquefaction potential. Such compaction of a foundation soil is only economical when limited in extent, leading to a case of an 'island' of improved ground (surrounded by unimproved ground). The behavior of the densified sand surrounded by liquefied loose sand during and following earthquakes is of great importance in order to design the compacted area rationally and optimize both safety and economy. This problem is studied herein by means of dynamic centrifuge model tests. The results of three heavily-instrumented dynamic centrifuge tests on saturated models of side-by-side loose and dense sand profiles are discussed. The test results suggest the following concerns as relates to 'islands' of densified soil: (1) there is a potential strength degradation in the densified zone as a result of pore pressure increase due to migration of pore fluid into the island from the adjacent loose liquefied ground; (2) there is a potential for lateral deformation (sliding) within the densified island as the surrounding loose soil liquefies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.