Evaluation of techniques for predicting soil liquefaction and verification of field techniques to predict in situ shear wave velocity

The liquefaction potential for a site near the San Andreas fault was evaluated by the standard penetration test and analytical, strain potential, and electrical methods. Each method examined influences on the liquefaction characteristics of a saturated sand deposit including density, grain structure, and length of time the sand was subjected to sustained pressure. The standard penetration test procedure indicated that a potential for liquefaction existed in the upper 20 feet of the soil strata; below 20 feet, the site was less likely liquefy. Results derived by the other three methods indicated a high potential for liquefaction for the total depth explored. Although the degree of liquefaction varied according to the method used, overall results indicated that the sight will liquefy during an earthquake similar to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.