Prediction of Liquefaction Probability Based on Simplified and Ground Response Analysis Method

The objective of the present study is to predict the probability of liquefaction using a simplified method (based on standard penetration test) and ground response analysis method (based on the correlations between SPT and shear wave velocity) at IIT Patna campus site. IIT Patna is located along the banks of the Ganga River at Bihta City, 35 km from Patna (India). The district lies in seismic zone IV. Thus, it becomes necessary to assess the liquefaction potential in order to design civil engineering projects and their foundations in the campus or district. At the present site, cyclic resistance ratio and the factor of safety against liquefaction are evaluated by both the above-mentioned approaches and also compared with liquefiable depths. The results indicate that the ground response analysis method predicts slightly lesser factors of safety against liquefaction as compared to the simplified method. Therefore, ground response analysis is found to be a more appropriate method for evaluating liquefaction as more soil layers are found to be liquefiable. As a result more safety or precaution is required in this region before the construction of any heavy structure or structural foundation.