Performance-Based Estimation of Lateral Spread Displacement in the State of California: A Case Study for the Implementation of Performance-Based Design in Geotechnical Practice

Within the last decade, many researchers have demonstrated that performance-based methods for estimating the hazard from liquefaction triggering and its effects can effectively be approximated using simplified, map-based methods. However, the development of the reference parameter maps that are necessary for the implementation of these simplified performance-based methods is major endeavor and has proven to be a significant impediment for the implementation of these methods in engineering practice. This study presents a case history of how the simplified performance-based reference parameter maps for a liquefaction-related hazard (lateral spread displacement) were recently developed for a single state known for its high seismicity (California) in the United States. Through a mentored research experience involving several undergraduate and graduate students, the development of the lateral spread reference parameter maps corresponding to three commonly used return periods (475 years, 1033 years, and 2475 years) for the State of California is summarized and presented. When combined with an existing simplified performance-based lateral spread method, the reference parameter maps described in this paper become a powerful design resource for engineers in California. Example lateral spread displacement values are computed for various parts of the state to validate the maps/approach and to demonstrate the performance-based methodology and potential uses/benefits.