Stress-based evaluation of pore pressure generation in sands subjected to undrained cyclic loading

Proper characterization of excess pore pressure in sands subjected to cyclic loading is fundamental for liquefaction analysis. The classical stress-based pore pressure generation model has limitations, and there are inconsistent views in the literature regarding the influence of soil properties on the model parameters. This study investigated the pore pressure generation characteristics of various types of sands, considering different particle shapes, fines contents, void ratios, and loading amplitudes. A new stress-based pore pressure model was employed to characterize pore pressure generation in three types of sands. The model parameters were calibrated for the tested materials, and the correlations between the model parameters and the influencing factors were examined. The results show a consistent correlation between the model parameter α and cyclic stress ratio for a given sand. These correlations of different materials are influenced by fines content rather than particle shape.