Investigation of seismic response of liquefiable canyon ground considering topography effect

Topography effect is involved in the liquefiable canyon ground, which will cause variations of canyon slope displacement and liquefaction zone. To capture these salient response characteristics, a series of two-dimensional plane strain finite element models are created with various canyon sizes. Single soil stratum and constant water level are considered in these models, and detailed modeling techniques are presented. Computed static and dynamic results are illustrated and discussed. Effect of canyon size on initial horizontal stress disturbance region is explored. Specific attention should be paid to the remarkable changes in liquefaction location due to variation of canyon size, which can be used to estimate liquefaction zone. Modeling techniques and insights from this study are of significance to foundation design and liquefaction resistance.