Numerical Investigation of Liquefaction Potential in Sabkha Soil Supporting Foundation Subjected to Vibration Loading

Abstract

Liquefaction is a major concern, especially in loose soil subjected to vibrations, which may lead to severe damage to buildings and infrastructure. In this paper, the influence of vertical vibrational loading on the liquefaction potential of natural sabkha soil was numerically examined to understand the effects of different parameters, on liquefaction potential. The parameters considered in this study include vertical displacement amplitude, frequency, modified mass ratio, subsoil conditions (natural and cement-stabilized sabkha soil with 5% and 10% cement content), and thickness ratio of cement-stabilized sabkha soil. For foundation rested directly on natural sabkha soil and subjected to vibration loading, liquefaction was observed for different foundation configurations. The pore water pressure ratio beneath the foundation increased with a decrease in foundation mass. The minimum foundation mass that prevents liquefaction in the sabkha soil depends on the ratio of the machine’s velocity to the shear wave velocity of the subsoil (sabkha).