ABSTRACT
Earthquake-induced soil liquefaction is a major cause of damage that can occur as a result of seismic events, particularly in saturated deposits of cohesionless soils in seismically active regions. Shallow foundations, which are often used in structures built on soils with these characteristics, are particularly susceptible to seismic liquefaction. A centrifuge test was performed to assess the performance of innovative mitigation techniques to enhance the performance of shallow foundations built on liquefiable ground, using narrow densified zones with and without high capacity vertical drains. This paper presents some preliminary results, including the excess pore pressures developed right below the shallow foundations as well as the settlements and vertical motions taking place during the seismic simulation. Based on the major features of the performance observed, which elucidate the advantages of centrifuge modelling as a liquefaction research tool, some potential limitations of the particular test carried out are discussed.
