Liquefaction of Non-Homogeneous Earth Dams’ Heels byVariations of Depth and Thickness of Non-Compacted FoundationLayer

AbstractLiquefaction usually occurs in saturated loose sandy soils. The aim of the present study is to examine liquefaction of earthdams’ heels due to a non-compacted saturated layer (a liquefiable layer) within the foundation of earth dams with differentthicknesses and depths during an earthquake. For this purpose, a non-homogenous earth dam was founded on a compact soillayer. Analysis was performed with the help of QUAKE/W. The special feature of QUAKE/W is the ability to display liquefiablezones. The results showed that simultaneous increase in the thickness and depth of the liquefiable foundation layer will reducethe liquefaction potential. The declining trend becomes more critical with increasing the thickness of liquefiable layer