Numerical Modeling of the LEAP-RPI-2020 Centrifuge Tests Using the SANISAND-MSf Model in FLAC3D

The SANISAND-MSf model is an extension of a reference and established critical state bounding surface plasticity model for sands with two new constitutive ingredients: a memory surface and a semifluidized state. Each ingredient is designed to significantly enhance the reference model in capturing the progressive reduction of mean effective stress during undrained cyclic shearing for various cyclic stress ratios in the pre-liquefaction, and the subsequent development of large shear strains in the post-liquefaction, respectively. This paper presents the validation of this model using the results of ten centrifuge tests from LEAP-RPI-2020. These experiments consisted of submerged liquefiable soil deposits, supported by a 4.5 m sheet-pile wall, and subjected to ramped sine wave motions. Fully coupled dynamic analyses were conducted in the finite difference computational platform FLAC3D. Comparisons between the numerical simulations and experimental results reveal that the employed modeling approach is effective in reproducing several essential aspects of the system response.