Finite element modeling of embankment founded on liquefiable foundation subjected to seismic excitation

Soil liquefaction has been observed in most strong earthquakes and it has been the object of many studies. The objective of the present research was to utilize data from centrifuge experiments and model it with a finite element program to study the program's capacity to predict those results. The commercial computer program called DIANA (Displacement ANAlyzer) was used which implements the Towhata-lai liquefaction numerical model. In order to verify the capabilities of the model, a parametric study and a calibration procedure were performed to better understand the material parameters describing the liquefaction behavior of the soil. With the material parameters, a finite element analysis of four centrifuge models was performed. Results obtained from the program were compared with experimental results and showed different patterns and magnitudes. Problems and shortcomings with the program are presented and discussed, in addition to recommendations for improving the ability to predict physical models results.