A genetic-algorithm approach for assessing the liquefaction potential of sandy soils

Abstract

Abstract. The determination of liquefaction potential is required to take into account a large number of parameters, which creates a complex nonlinear structure of the liquefaction phenomenon. The conventional methods rely on simple statistical and empirical relations or charts. However, they cannot characterise these complexities. Genetic algorithms are suited to solve these types of problems. A genetic algorithm-based model has been developed to determine the liquefaction potential by confirming Cone Penetration Test datasets derived from case studies of sandy soils. Software has been developed that uses genetic algorithms for the parameter selection and assessment of liquefaction potential. Then several estimation functions for the assessment of a Liquefaction Index have been generated from the dataset. The generated Liquefaction Index estimation functions were evaluated by assessing the training and test data. The suggested formulation estimates the liquefaction occurrence with significant accuracy. Besides, the parametric study on the liquefaction index curves shows a good relation with the physical behaviour. The total number of misestimated cases was only 7.8% for the proposed method, which is quite low when compared to another commonly used method.

A hybrid model for mapping simplified seismic response via a GIS-metamodel approach

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Ground motion predictive modelling based on genetic algorithms

“…Instead of using predefined curve formats, GA can be programmed so that it selects the effective parameters and determines their coefficients. Such an application of GA is also available in the literature for the geotechnical engineering problems (Sen and Akyol, 2010).…”

Outcomes of the Special Issue on Approaches to hazard evaluation, mapping, and mitigation

“…Geotechnical investigations discussed in the special issue include (i) a site-specific study of a single, deep-seated landslide (Iovine et al, 2010), (ii) an investigation of the mechanical behaviour of a pyroclastic deposit (Scotto di Santolo et al, 2010), (iii) the assessment of the liquefaction potential of sandy soils (Sen and Akyol, 2010), and (iv) the decay of the material properties of soft rocks caused by weathering (Aziz et al, 2010). Iovine et al (2010) analysed the activation phase of a large debris slide that threatened the village of San Benedetto Ullano, Calabria, Italy.…”

“…To determine the liquefaction potential of sandy soils, Sen and Akyol (2010) constructed a genetic algorithm model and used in situ data obtained from Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) derived from 242 case studies from different regions of the world taken from literature. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used for the selection of the model parameters and the assessment of the soil liquefaction potential, expressed by the Liquefaction Index.…”