Mechanism of liquefaction response in sand-silt dynamic centrifuge tests

The process of dynamically induced liquefaction in two centrifuge soil models is analyzed. These models consist of saturated medium-dense sand overlain by a low permeability silt deposit, and represent prototypes of a level site and an embankment. The recorded lateral accelerations are employed to evaluate shear stress and strain histories at different elevations within the tested soil systems. These histories shed light on the involved liquefaction process, and the associated mechanisms of: (1) lateral deformation; (2) stiffness and strength degradation; and (3) possible densification and regain of stiffness, thereafter. The identified response patterns are found comparable to those documented by laboratory cyclic-loading tests.