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Title: Blast induced liquefaction potential. influence of unsaturated conditions. Final report 1 Mar 78-28 Feb 79

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5155901

The phenomenon called blast induced liquefaction is examined. Blast induced ground motions which may cause liquefaction are categorized on the basis of wave form characteristics and motion types and compared to earthquake groundmotions. Prediction methods used in Russia, Europe and North America are reviewed. The influence of field tests on unsaturated subsurface soils in respect to liquefaction potential, porewater pressure increase, porewater pressure measurement, shock wave velocity and scaling factors are given. The occurrence, detection, and removal of entrapped gas are reviewed. Recent research has shown that the assumption of little or no soil property change may be non-conservative for certain saturated soil subjected to loadings from high explosive test events. Various indirect evidence indicates that blast induced liquefaction (a soil property change) may occur. Any attempt to correlate the results of blast-induced liquefaction with data obtained in conjunction with earthquake loadings must include the many differences between the two. However, important material property changes common to both seem to be pore-water pressures, shear strength, and relative density. The effect of soil type and magnitude and type of stress changes, induced by overpressure and direct induced ground motion, are also controlling factors. Until additional research is completed, loose saturated sands should be regarded as having a high blast-induced liquefaction potential. (Author)

Research Organization:
Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins (USA). Dept. of Electrical Engineering
OSTI ID:
5155901
Report Number(s):
AD-A-078521/2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English