Computational Insights Into Liquefaction Potential of Sabkha Soil Under Dynamic Foundation Stress

Liquefaction is a major concern in loose soils subjected to vibrations, which may severely damage buildings and infrastructure. In this study, the influence of vertical vibrational loading on the liquefaction potential of natural sabkha soil was numerically examined to understand the effects of different parameters on the liquefaction potential. The parameters considered in this study included the vertical displacement amplitude, frequency, modified mass ratio, subsoil conditions (natural and cement-stabilized sabkha soils with 5% and 10% cement content), and thickness ratio of the cement-stabilized sabkha soil. Liquefaction was observed for different foundation configurations. The pore water pressure ratio beneath the foundation increased with a decrease in foundation mass. The minimum foundation mass that prevents liquefaction in the sabkha soil depends on the ratio of the machine velocity to the shear wave velocity of the subsoil (sabkha). This study provides guidance and information on the risk of constructing a foundation subjected to continuous vibration (such as machine foundations) in saturated sabkha soil because of the low rigidity resulting from the generation of pore water pressure during dynamic loading.