Assessing effect of dynamic compaction on liquefaction potential using statistical methods–a case study

This article is aimed at illustrating the practical use of statistical methods in geotechnical engineering. As an example, the efficacy of dynamic compaction (DC) in the mitigation of liquefaction hazard is studied through a case study of a site in the Chang-Hwa Coastal Industrial Park in Changhua County, Taiwan. Before DC, the soil at the study site, which mainly consists of a layer of hydraulic fill of silty sand to fine sand underlain by recent alluvial plains (Qa), is deemed susceptible to liquefaction. After DC, the soil at the study site is improved such that the liquefaction potential is greatly reduced. The efficacy of DC in reducing liquefaction potential is evaluated quantitatively using the statistical methods, and the effectiveness of these statistical methods, especially when used with visualisation technique, is demonstrated. This provides a basis towards risk-based communication and decision making in the setting of practical applications.