The Influence of Soil Preparation Methods on Liquefaction Behavior in Centrifuge Modeling
The Influence of Soil Preparation Methods on Liquefaction Behavior in Centrifuge Modeling
Soil particle structure is a key factor influencing liquefaction behavior. This study investigates the effects of different sample preparation methods, including water pluviation and dry tamping (with four- or eight-layer compaction), on liquefaction behavior in centrifuge models prepared at the same relative density. Two shaking events were conducted to evaluate changes in ground response, which were assessed using miniature cone penetration tests performed before and after each event.
The model prepared by water pluviation exhibited an increase in cone tip resistance after shaking, indicating cyclic densification, together with a reduction in excess pore water pressure generation and liquefaction duration during the second shaking. In contrast, both dry-tamped models showed only minor changes in cone tip resistance and maintained similar liquefaction responses between shakings, suggesting limited structural rearrangement. The four-layer dry-tamped model additionally showed vertical non-uniformity in the CPT results, which promoted rapid pore pressure buildup.
These results demonstrate that, even at the same relative density, differences in soil fabric significantly control liquefaction resistance and its evolution under repeated shaking, highlighting the importance of sample preparation methods in centrifuge modeling and liquefaction assessment.
Nao Takamatsu; Jorge Hernan Florez Galvez; Kyohei Ueda; Ryosuke Uzuoka
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Special Session 10: Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects – Lesson Learned from LEAP-Asia-2025
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-252