SOFTTOP
Investigating heterogeneous soft top soils for wave propagation, cyclic degradation and liquefaction potential
'This project will help us to combine variations in the shallow subsurface at several scales based on new results from lab and field experiments and models, so that we can make better predictions of how the shallow subsurface behaves during earthquakes.'
This study investigates how accounting for spatial variations in material properties in the shallow subsoil and specific characteristics of sand and clay layers (non-linearity, degradation), combined with aspects found in induced earthquakes (repeated, short-duration loading), can lead to a more accurate quantitative prediction of the motion and deformation at the ground surface.
It involves the development of a reliability-based analysis framework to assess the influence of the shallow subsurface and its variability. The design of a new dynamic testing facility, combined with laboratory testing, field tests and the development of material models will provide industry guidance and prototype analysis tools.
