Centrifuge modeling of liquefaction under a partially-drained condition
Centrifuge modeling of liquefaction under a partially-drained condition
Liquefaction of sandy soils is a well-known phenomenon that occurs during earthquakes. The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan caused severe liquefaction over a wide area, heavily damaging residential houses. Particularly, in Uchinada-cho, Ishikawa Pref., extensive damage to houses and infrastructure was reported due to liquefaction. Although numerous studies have been conducted on liquefaction, experimental investigations are often performed under fully drained conditions. However, in reality, surface ground is frequently compacted or paved, resulting in drainage conditions that differ from the idealized drained state.
In this study, the concept of a Partially-Drained Condition (PDC) is introduced and defined as a condition in which drainage is restricted near the surface layer, resulting in delayed dissipation of excess pore water pressure (EPWP). To simulate this condition, a centrifuge model test is conducted using a high-viscosity fluid to saturate the surface sandy layer, thereby creating a low-permeability zone. This setup enables the simulation of realistic drainage behaviour during and after shaking. The EPWP dissipation under the PDC is evaluated and compared with that under a fully drained condition. Furthermore, three house models are placed on the ground surface to investigate how partial drainage influences structural response during liquefaction. This study aims to provide insight into the effects of restricted drainage conditions on liquefied ground behaviour.
Mizuki Kunisawa; Kento Ogawa; Hyuk Kee Hong; Junji Miyamoto; Tetsuo Tobita
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 3: Resilient geotechnical infrastructure
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-320