Project number: MT-15-02

Funding source: Caltrans

Contract number: 65A0533

Funding amount: $34,999

Performance period: 8/15/2015 to 8/14/2016

Project description

This research studied numerically the detrimental effects of liquefaction-induced ground movements during a seismic event at the Port of Long Beach, which is vital for the California freight network. The research included: i) the calibration of constitutive model parameters after a compilation of published subsurface investigation reports of the POLB and to determine the suitability of these parameters to reproduce laboratory tests following different stress paths and shear strain levels; ii) the assessment of the use of advanced constitutive models like the UBC3D-PLM to predict the behavior of the POLB Pier S when a seismic event induces liquefaction; iii) the recommendations regarding the resulting permanent deformations and residual strength of soils which could compromise the resiliency of the port