Interplay of particle size distribution and relative density in cyclic liquefaction resistance

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, University of British Columbia, 6250 Applied Science Lane, Vancouver, BC, Canada
² Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering, University of Toronto, 35 St George St, Toronto, ON, Canada

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Published online: 1 December 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the interplay of particle size distribution and relative density on the cyclic liquefaction resistance of sands using three-dimensional discrete element method simulations. Assemblies with varying coefficients of uniformity (C_u) were prepared at two relative densities and underwent constant volume cyclic shearing at the same cyclic stress ratios until initial liquefaction. Results show a non-monotonic relationship between C_u and liquefaction resistance: an initial increase in resistance with increasing C_u, followed by a decrease beyond a critical C_u value, consistently observed at both relative densities. Micromechanical analyses demonstrate that this trend correlates with the rate of decline of the mechanical coordination number during the pre-liquefaction phase. A power-law relationship is established between the cyclic resistance and the rate of coordination number reduction, providing insight into the underlying fabric evolution mechanisms.