HRD-9627989 University of District of Columbia "Behavior of Stratified Sand-Gravel Composites Under Seismic Liquefaction Conditions" The proposed research is to provide an investigation of the behavior of stratified sand-gravel composites under seismic liquefaction conditions. The behavior of stratified soils will be evaluated for different gravel contents. The effect of variation of confining pressure on the liquefaction parameters of sand-gravel composites will be investigated for two methods of sample preparation, namely pluviation through air (representing uniform soil conditions) and sedimentation (representing layered soil conditions). The stress-controlled automated cyclic triaxial tests at the University of the District of Columbia will be used for the purpose of evaluating liquefaction potential. The primary objective of the proposed study is compare the behavior of stratified and homogeneous sand-gravel composites under seismic liquefaction conditions for various gravel contents and confining pressures. Such comparison will enhance our understanding of soil behavior under seismic liquefaction conditions. As a result, a conceptual framework for analytical studies can be made. The proposed project will only provide a fundamental advancement for modelling these layered soils, but also improve the research capability of the civil engineering program at the University of the District of Columbia. Student exposure to the experiments will enhance the representation of minorities in engineering disciplines. ***
