Abstract

AbstractA geophysical study using seismic wave velocities data, including compressional and shear wave velocity (Vp and Vs) values, for 14 sites has been carried out. These sites are located within the Mesopotamian plain and surroundings. Both seismic and geotechnical data have been conducted by the National Center for Construction Laboratories and Research (NCCLR) in Iraq. Some geotechnical parameters have been deduced from seismic velocities either from Vp or Vs. Correlations between seismic velocities (Vp and Vs) and geotechnical properties have been derived. These relations show direct proportionalities between Vp and Vs with standard penetration test (SPT-N value). LiuefyPro software has been utilized for two selected Iraqi sites to investigate the liquefaction potential. Input data of the program will be based on those derived from the compressional and shear wave velocities. The application shows a total settlement for saturated and dry sand of 32 mm for the first site while no settlement has been indicated for the second site. It was found that the high value of both wave velocities for a cohesionless fully saturated soil gives an indication that this soil is unable to liquefy and settle under earthquake excitation and vice versa.