Evaluation of engineering properties and ground motion characteristics of unconsolidated deposits in the City of Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992 · Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States)

OSTI ID:5587129

Kayabali, K; West, T R ^[1]

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1. Purdue Univ., West Lafayette, IN (United States). Earth and Atmospheric Science Dept.

The surficial deposits in Evansville are composed of lake deposits consisting of dune sand, glacial outwash, loess, and possibly glacial till, which may sustain damage during a major earthquake. The New Madrid fault zone experienced earthquakes up to magnitude 8.3. Low strength materials prone to failure during earthquakes occur in Evansville. In 1991, 41 boreholes were drilled to delineate areas prone to liquefaction. Data showed that the southeast quarter of the city is underlain predominantly by alluvial silty sand. Generally the remainder of the city is underlain by lacustrine clays except the Pigeon Creek drainage. Factors regarding liquefaction potential are: Standard Penetration Test (N values), grain size distribution and fines content, depth to the ground water table, and peak horizontal ground acceleration. Standard penetration tests (SPT) were performed at 41 locations, soil samples collected and blow counts recorded. Twenty-five borings 30 feet deep were all or mostly sand. N values ranged from 2 to 30, averaging about 11. Most liquefiable soils have a grain size between D[sub 50][equals]0.1 to 1 mm. Results of grain sizes of 50 samples showed a range in D[sub 50] of 0.09 to 0.5 mm averaging about 0.25 mm. Nearly all had a maximum fines content of less than 30% and most less than 15%. Sands with little or no fines are susceptible to liquefaction. Cone penetration testing (CPT) provided more details to be correlated with SPT and grain size data. Ground accelerations will also be considered. Based on the preliminary evaluation, soil liquefaction could occur during a strong motion earthquake. Final analysis will involve these factors plus the peak horizontal ground acceleration.

• OSTI ID: 5587129
• Report Number(s): CONF-921058--
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States) Journal Volume: 24:7
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540250 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (1990-)
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
BOREHOLES
CAVITIES
CLAYS
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
EARTHQUAKES
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
GEOLOGY
GROUND MOTION
INDIANA
LAND USE
MOTION
NORTH AMERICA
PARTICLE SIZE
RISK ASSESSMENT
SAND
SEISMIC EVENTS
SIZE
SOILS
URBAN AREAS
USA
WATER TABLES