CPT-based liquefaction resistance of clean and silty sands: a drainage conditions based approach

The cone penetration test-based simplified liquefaction triggering evaluations are largely based on linking liquefaction manifestations in the field to cone penetration resistance. These relationships are interpreted in such a way that for given penetration resistance, the liquefaction resistance increases as non-plastic fines content (FC) increases. However, several studies have indicated discrepancies in this relationship. Hence, there is a lag in rational scientific understanding of this observation. In this study, an experimental research program was undertaken to investigate the CPT-based liquefaction assessment by considering the effects of drainage conditions on the relationship between CPT resistance and liquefaction resistance. First, clean sand and silty sands having 5, 15, and 35% FC were tested at different relative densities by stress-controlled cyclic direct simple shear (CDSS) tests to investigate cyclic resistance of silty sand with varying amounts of non-plastic fines. Then, a set of tests involving piezocone penetration (CPTu), seismic CPTu (SCPTu), and direct push permeability (DPPT) were undertaken in a large-scale box filled with the same soils used in the CDSS tests. The large-scale test results quantified the effect of drainage conditions (coefficient of consolidation) on cone penetration resistance. Finally, by combining the CDSS and CPTu test results, an alternative CPT-based liquefaction resistance relationship was proposed by considering the effects of drainage conditions.