In Situ Liquefaction Evaluation Using a Vibrating Penetrometer

The current approach for using cone penetration test data for liquefaction potential assessment involves the comparison of the seismic stresses imparted into a soil mass during an earthquake to the resistance of the soil to liquefaction. The approach involves an indirect correlation of density and other soil parameters to the liquefaction resistance of the soil mass. A direct approach for evaluating the liquefaction potential of a soil deposit has been proposed through a test using a vibrating piezocone penetrometer. Calibration chamber tests in saturated clean sands indicate that the penetration resistance of a soil mass can be significantly reduced through vibration under certain density and stress conditions. This reduction in penetration resistance is associated with elevated pore water pressures, and is directly related to the liquefaction potential of the soil.