Liquefaction Mitigation Potential of Improved Ground Using Pervious Concrete Columns

In this study, liquefaction mitigation potential of improved ground using pervious concrete column is being investigated. The seismic performance of pervious concrete column improved ground is compared with conventional stone column improved ground. Three-dimensional finite element analysis using OpenSeesPL software is conducted to study the ground lateral deformation and excess pore water pressure generation of pervious concrete column improved ground on a mildly sloping soil strata of infinite extent under seismic loading. The soil strata considered is fully saturated sand with an inclination of 4°. The parameters influencing seismic performance of improved ground like area ratio, founding depth of columns, diameter of columns and hydraulic conductivity of columns are considered. It is found from various response parameters that the pervious concrete column improved ground has better seismic performance than conventional stone column improved ground. The lateral deformation profile of pervious concrete column is found to be similar to that of concrete pile, allowing excess pore water pressure to dissipate through the pores of pervious concrete column. It is also concluded that pervious concrete columns could be used as an alternative to conventional stone columns to mitigate liquefaction to a larger extent.