Methodology for liquefaction hazard studies: new tool and recent applications

The BRGM Group, recently involved in several projects in which one of the a ims was to assess the soil liquefaction hazard, has developed a new process ing tool for such studies, applicable in various kinds of applications. The method is based on existing elements and consists in examining successivel y, in the deterministic manner, the qualitative and mechanical susceptibili ties, the opportunity, the safety factor, the potentiality and the intensit y. A parametric approach is also possible, in which the tool is used in rev erse to give the characteristics required to achieve a target safety factor in a given seismic and hydrological context. The case studies described in this paper concern a major project along comm unication routes, such as the new Mediterranean TGV high-speed rail line, c harts and specifications for remedial works and various levels of seismic m icrozonations (Nice, in the French Riviera, and Fort-de-France, in French W est Indies). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.