Hydraulic Conductivity’s Impact on Seismic-Induced Excess Pore-Water Pressure Rise

Liquefaction is a geohazard causing loss of lives and infrastructure around the world. Liquefaction results from a sudden increase in excess pore-water pressure (EPWP) in loose, saturated, noncohesive, and fine soils. Due to the small size of pores and relatively low hydraulic conductivity of these soils, the induced EPWP throughout shaking does not have enough time to dissipate before the soil liquefies. If a soil's hydraulic conductivity could be increased during seismic shaking, the shaking time would be ample for soil to afford for EPWP dissipation. A potential theory, introduced by our research team, is that electromagnetic (EM) waves can increase granular soils' hydraulic conductivity. This increase can potentially lead to liquefaction mitigation. This research examines the relationship between hydraulic conductivity and EPWP buildup, evaluates EM waves' impact on the EPWP buildup via altering hydraulic conductivity, and evaluates the potential of EM-induced liquefaction mitigation.