Effects of Non-Plastic Silts on Liquefaction Potential of Solani Sand

Loose saturated cohesionless soils are most susceptible to liquefaction, however there are strong historical evidence suggesting that soils containing fines such as silty sands are also prone to liquefaction during earthquakes. The liquefaction of silty sands has been observed in a number of recent case studies. This paper presents the effects of fine silts on liquefaction potential of sandy soil. Tests have been conducted on the vibration table at different accelerations and pore water pressure is measured. During the lab investigation, locally (Roorkee, India) available Solani Sand and Dhanauri Silt have been used. The soil samples have been prepared by varying silt content and the initial relative density. The results of the study performed are used to clarify the effects of non-plastic fines content on the Solani sand. As the silt content increases, the number of cycles required to produce maximum pore water pressure increases. For a particular level of excitation, rate of pore water pressure generation is maximum at critical silt content. It is observed that critical silt content to generate maximum pore water pressure is different for different accelerations. Further, effect of silt content is very much dependent on relative density.