Dynamic properties of saturated volcanic ash: Liquefaction failure characteristics and cyclic strength criteria

• Published in: Engineering geology Vol. 356; p. 108267
• Main Authors: Liu, Hailiang, Wang, Changming, Wu, Di, Zhang, Mingmin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2025
• Subjects: Cyclic resistance ratio; Failure criterion; Liquefaction; Viscous energy dissipation; Volcanic ash; Viscous energy dissipation; Volcanic ash; Failure criterion; Liquefaction; Cyclic resistance ratio
• ISSN: 0013-7952
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2025.108267

The assessment of the cyclic resistance of volcanic ash is crucial for engineering projects in volcanic regions. In this study, a series of consolidated undrained cyclic triaxial tests were carried out on saturated volcanic ash. The results indicate that saturated volcanic ash is subject to liquefaction failure under long-term cyclic loading. An energy-based methodology using the viscous energy dissipation ratio (VEDR) was developed to investigate the liquefaction failure of volcanic ash under cyclic loading. The VEDR curves of volcanic ash were significantly different from those of clay, sandy soils, and clay-sand mixtures. On the basis of the curves, the VEDR mode of volcanic ash was classified as a hybrid mode. The inflection point of the VEDR curve where the VEDR increases abruptly was defined as a breakpoint and it was used as the failure threshold for a new VEDR failure criterion. A predictive model for the cyclic strength of volcanic ash was developed, providing accurate estimates of the cyclic strength of volcanic ash. It can also be used in evaluations of liquefaction failure in volcanic ash. •Saturated volcanic ash fails by liquefaction at low pore water pressure ratios.•Liquefaction failure is evaluated using the viscous energy dissipation ratio (VEDR).•The VEDR curves of volcanic ash exhibit a hybrid clay–sand pattern.•Inflection point of VEDR curve is used as volcanic ash liquefaction threshold.