Examination of SPT-Based Liquefaction Triggering Correlations

Abstract

The differences between the liquefaction triggering correlations published by Seed et al. (1984) and those published more recently by Cetin et al. (2004) and those by Idriss and Boulanger (2004, 2008) are examined in this paper. The case histories, which cause the Cetin et al. correlation of the cyclic resistance ratio, adjusted for M = 7.5 and σ _v ^′ = 1 atm, to plot significantly lower than those by Seed et al. and Idriss and Boulanger, are examined in detail. The lower position of the Cetin et al. liquefaction triggering correlation is found to be primarily caused by their interpretations and usage for 8 of the 11 key case histories that had controlled the position of their liquefaction triggering correlation. When properly interpreted, these eight case histories no longer support the position of the published Cetin et al. liquefaction triggering curve.