Numerical simulations of LEAP centrifuge tests for seismic response of liquefiable sloping ground

This paper presents numerical simulations of a liquefiable sloping ground related to LEAP-UCD-2017 and LEAP-Asia-2019 (Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects) dynamic centrifuge model tests (Type-C phase) conducted by various institutions. The numerical simulations are performed using a pressure-dependent constitutive model implemented with the characteristics of dilatancy, cyclic mobility and associated shear deformation. The soil parameters are determined based on a series of available stress-controlled cyclic triaxial and torsional shear tests for matching the liquefaction strength curves of Ottawa F-65 sand with relative densities Dr. = 65% and 60% in calibration phase of LEAP-UCD-2017 and LEAP-Asia-2019, respectively. The computational framework for the dynamic response analysis is discussed and the computed results are presented for the selected centrifuge experiments during Type-C phase. Measured time histories (e.g., displacement, acceleration and excess pore pressure ratio) of these experiments are reasonably captured. Comparisons between the numerical simulations and measured results showed that the pressure-dependent constitutive model as well as the overall employed computational framework have the potential to predict the response of the liquefiable sloping ground, and subsequently realistically evaluate the performance of an equivalent soil system subjected to seismically-induced liquefaction.