Rayleigh Waves Transformation in Liquefying Water-saturated Sands

Abstract The behaviour of a water-saturated sand deposit subjected to dynamic loads induced by the propagation of Rayleigh surface waves is analysed. Cyclic shearing of the saturated sand matrix due to ground motions results in the development of excess pore pressures in the soil and its subsequent liquefaction. The phenomena of pore pressure generation and soil liquefaction are investigated within the framework of a compaction theory for saturated granular media. The results of calculations, carried out by a finite-element method, illustrate the evolution of pore pressures and the development of liquefaction zones in the soil, and show the variation of surface wave parameters with the progressive degradation of the strength of the subsoil.