Finite element simulation of static liquefaction of submerged sand slopes using a multilaminate model

Abstract

Static liquefaction is one of the principal triggering mechanisms of failure in fully saturated loose sand slopes both in offshore and onshore regions. Static liquefaction induced landslides are known for their significant softening and a fluid-like behavior at the onset of failure. However, the literature lacks experimentally verified advanced numerical approaches which are capable of simulating static liquefaction. In this study, an advanced constitutive model based on the multilaminate framework is used in a finite element code. Multilaminate model accounts for significant features such as rotation of principal stresses, anisotropy in the material, strain softening due to static liquefaction and stress and strain dependency of the stiffness which enable us to achieve a more realistic soil behavior. The analysis results are verified by a set of large scale experiments of static liquefaction failures in submerged slopes under monotonic loading. Presented numerical approach can be used as a tool for further investigations of static liquefaction induced flow slides. This is useful for design and optimization of static liquefaction mitigation techniques.