Centrifuge Model Testing of Liquefaction Mitigation via Denitrification-Induced Desaturation

Caitlyn A. Hall, Gabby Hernandez, Kathleen M. Darby, Leon van Paassen, Edward Kavazanjian, Jason DeJong, Daniel Wilson

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Centrifuge model tests were conducted to evaluate the potential for earthquake-induced soil liquefaction mitigation via microbially mediated denitrification (dissimilatory reduction of nitrogen). Desaturation by denitrifying bacteria is the first stage of a two-stage process to increase earthquake-induced liquefaction resistance referred to as microbially induced desaturation and precipitation (MIDP). In the test described herein, denitrification was induced in Ottawa F-65 sand on the 1-m radius centrifuge at the University of California, Davis NHERI/CGM centrifuge. The degree of saturation was monitored during testing by monitoring soil moisture content. After monitoring indicated that significant desaturation had been induced at 1 g by an enriched denitrifying microorganism culture, the model was accelerated to 80 g. Saturation measurements during spin-up provided insight on the influence of steady state pore pressure on biogenic gas desaturation. Cyclic loading during the ultimate centrifuge acceleration of 80 g demonstrated desaturation via MIDP has potential to mitigate earthquake-induced soil liquefaction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)117-126
Number of pages10
JournalGeotechnical Special Publication
Volume2018-June
Issue numberGSP 290
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event5th Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics Conference: Liquefaction Triggering, Consequences, and Mitigation, GEESDV 2018 - Austin, United States
Duration: Jun 10 2018Jun 13 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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