Estimation of Surface Displacements Due to Earthquake Excitation of Saturated Sands

Abstract

This paper examines a variety of useful and important methods for estimation of liquefaction-induced ground displacement. The state-of-practice for estimating permanent ground displacements is empirical. Several methods are examined, and they all appear to have comparable predictive abilities. The recommended method takes into account geological, geotechnical, topographical, and seismological parameters. There have been a few recent attempts to construct constitutive models for post-liquefaction displacements, but at this time they are in formative stages and have not been rigorously proven.