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Evaluation of the Lateral Displacement Index Framework for Regional-scale Liquefaction Hazard Assessment

Description: 

The lateral displacement index (LDI) framework is a widely used semi-empirical method for assessing liquefaction-induced lateral spreading displacement (LSD). However, its efficacy and limitations for regional-scale liquefaction hazard assessments are not well understood. This study evaluates the performance of the LDI method using 1,683 high-quality Cone Penetration Test (CPT) soundings, paired with field-based and remote sensing-based liquefaction observations from the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. The results indicate that the LDI framework provided acceptable LSD estimates for only 27% of the case histories. A high rate of false positives (45%) was observed, particularly at sites far away from the riverbanks. Overprediction sites (2%) were geospatially located near riverbanks and geotechnically characterized by a competent, fine-grained surface crust. Underprediction sites (26%) were distributed both near and far from the rivers. The analysis further reveals that while LDI correlates with minor to moderate sand ejecta, it does not adequately capture the severe sand ejecta or lateral spreading. To address these limitations, a hybrid screening criterion is proposed that incorporates a distance-to-free-face threshold and a crustal competency index. Application of these constraints reduces model bias and improves predictive performance for regional liquefaction hazard assessment.

Session: Data-Driven Advances in Liquefaction Hazard Analysis [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/17/2026

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Weiwei Zhan

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 23

Authors