Shallow foundations subjected to earthquake-induced soil liquefaction resting on deep soil mixing columns

Despite recent advancements in predicting the response of shallow foundations during earthquake-induced liquefaction, significant challenges remain. The current study evaluates the behavior of shallow foundations built on liquefiable soils improved with deep soil mixing (DSM) columns. The problem is investigated through 3D finite difference analyses in FLAC3D, using an advanced constitutive model. The generation of excess pore water pressure (EPWP) and the seismic bearing capacity of shallow foundations were investigated while design parameters were taken into account. The results of the numerical model were verified with those obtained from the centrifuge and shaking table tests carried out in the available literature. Finally, a parametric analysis was performed to investigate the effect of shallow foundation design parameters, including width, thickness, and embedded depth, on the seismic response of shallow foundations. The shallow foundation width contributed the most in EPWP generation and seismic bearing capacity of shallow foundations. The results from this study can be a useful tool in the performance-based design of structures built on liquefiable, loose, sandy soil in seismic-prone areas.