Experimental Overview of Static Liquefaction and Tips to Plan a Successful Laboratory Program

ABSTRACT ONLY - The flow liquefaction also known as static liquefaction is a phenomenon in which saturated or partially saturated contractive sands and silts lose their strength during a loading scenario. The topic of flow liquefaction in the water dam engineering practice has been receiving more attention after the failure of Edenville Dam in 2020. This presentation provides an overview of the flow liquefaction from an experimental perspective. Data from a series of triaxial tests are used to demonstrate the behavior of soils susceptible to static liquefaction. The flow liquefaction and laboratory test results are then explained through the framework of critical state soil mechanics. The objective of laboratory programs to support the static liquefaction study is mainly to develop a Critical State Line (CSL). Tips to develop a successful laboratory program and estimate the CSL are provided based on the concepts discussed in the presentation.