Evaluation of soil liquefaction potential using energy approach: experimental and statistical investigation

Liquefaction has caused many catastrophes during earthquakes in the past . The strain energy-based method is one of the modern methods used to estimate liquefaction potential. In this study, wide-ranging experimental data were gathered from cyclic tests and centrifuge modeling of liquefaction. A model was then developed based on the strain energy needed for liquefaction to occur using the group method of data handling and the gravitational search algorithm. Contributions of the effective variables were evaluated through a sensitivity analysis. To check the accuracy of the developed strain energy model, cyclic triaxial tests were conducted on sandy soil and silty sand specimens. Comparison of the energy required to initiate liquefaction in the tested soil specimens with values predicted by the developed model indicated high accuracy of the energy-based model. Subsequently, the accuracy of the energy model was assessed in field conditions using the amount of strain energy released by real earthquakes in various sites. The ability of the model to distinguish liquefied areas from non-liquefied ones confirms its accuracy in field conditions. Finally, the developed model was compared with some available relationships to estimate the strain energy required for liquefaction to occur.