Probabilistic approach for determination of liquefaction potential

This paper investigates the susceptibility of soil to liquefaction using a probabilistic approach. In order to determine the factor of safety against the potential for liquefaction, a Monte Carlo approach to the probabilistic determination of liquefaction is used instead of the traditional determini stic approach. In the proposed approach, variability is considered in the p roperties of the soil and in the control motion. Final results are given in terms of probability of occurrence. The approach described in this paper i s applied to a homogeneous sand profile and to an actual site with a soil p rofile that includes both sand and clay. Parameters that may be significant for the occurrence of liquefaction are investigated for these particular e xamples.