New method predicts soil liquefaction risk with precision and efficiency.
The article discusses how cone penetration tests (CPTs) can be used to assess the risk of liquefaction in sandy soils. By analyzing 180 field case histories, the researchers found that the size of sand grains and the amount of fines in the soil affect its resistance to liquefaction. They developed new relationships between CPT data and liquefaction potential, eliminating the need for conversions from standard penetration tests. The study also proposes a new conversion between CPT tip resistance and standard penetration test blow counts. Additionally, the researchers suggest new CPT-based liquefaction-potential relationships for clean and silty gravel based on 18 case histories.