Research into Performance Based Liquefaction Initiation and Effects
Currently in the engineering community there is a push towards more sustainable practices. Events such as the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes have highlighted the need for sustainable practices in analysis and design for seismic hazards. Performance based analyses methods show great promise in improving community sustainability through improved communication among all stakeholders and improved understanding of hazards and risks.
Current research examines the use of performance based approaches in liquefaction hazard analysis. Two new methods of performance based liquefaction initiation are currently being examined which use the works of Juang et al. (2012) and Boulanger and Idriss (2012). Further research in being conducted into incorporating the performance based magnitude scaling factors proposed by Cetin et al. (2012).
Future research into this area is needed to develop these methods to the point where they can be used commonly in practice. Research into performance based evaluation of liquefaction effects such as lateral spread and settlement will improve the current state of knowledge in engineering practice. Other research into simplified approaches to performance based analysis and design will make the widespread implementation of these methods possible.