Probabilistic performance-based procedure to evaluate pile foundations at sites with liquefaction-induced lateral displacement

Abstract

Liquefaction-induced ground deformation has caused major damage to bridge and wharf structures in past earthquakes. Large lateral ground displacements may induce significant forces in the foundation and superstructure, which may lead to severe damage or even collapse. A performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) approach can provide an objective assessment of the likely seismic performance, so that agencies can evaluate bridge or wharf structures, compare retrofit strategies, and rank them within their overall system. In this paper, a probabilistic PBEE design procedure that incorporates findings from recent research on this problem is presented. The proposed approach can provide answers in terms that are meaningful to owners, such as expected repair costs and downtimes. The methodology is validated through its application to a well-documented case history. Results show that the proposed approach provides a good estimate of the seismic performance of pile-supported structures at sites with liquefaction-induced lateral displacement.