Mechanism Analysis and Mitigation Measures for the Seismic Performance of Foundations During Sand Liquefaction

Abstract

A typical problem of geotechnical earthquake engineering is liquefaction-induced foundation instability in sand. Many available review papers focus on only one specific ground improvement method or separate liquefaction-control solutions, and few provide all-encompassing comparisons of various mitigation technologies. First, this paper will introduce the process of sand liquefaction and the resulting secondary damage, such as differential settlement and lateral spreading of the ground. Based on the core theoretical formulas and basic physical laws, some typical anti-liquefaction countermeasures are introduced here and their comparative analysis is conducted. The two groups of conventional ground-improvement methods are based on whether the native soil properties are altered. Based on the theoretical model and empirical formulas of previous studies, this paper will introduce the locations and favourable conditions for applying each anti-liquefaction measure. Shake-table experiments are often used to test the liquefaction-mitigation performance, and their drawbacks have also been mentioned. This study will offer theoretical support for interpreting liquefaction-induced seismic damage and selecting suitable ground-treatment measures in practice.