UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE (REU), NHERI 2018: THE LIQUEFACTION POTENTIAL OF GROUND MODIFIED BY POORLY BUILT RAMMED AGGREGATE PIERS

The purpose of this research is to better understand the connection between poorly built Rammed Aggregate Piers and liquefaction potential of poorly graded soils. The hypothesis states that a poorly built Rammed Aggregate Pier will increase a soils likelihood of liquefying. Much of this study is based off previous research done in Christchurch, New Zealand after the 2010-2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence. The tests conducted in this study include the Modified Effort Compaction Test and the Free-Free Resonant Column Multi-Mode Device Test. Results showed that a poorly built Rammed Aggregate Pier was denser than a well built Rammed Aggregate Pier. Thus, it was concluded that a poorly built Rammed Aggregate Pier will decrease a soils risk of liquefying.