October 2024 Earthquakes Committee Webinar

Includes a Live Web Event on 10/02/2024 at 11:00 AM (MDT)

The effects of subsurface heterogeneity on liquefaction phenomena during earthquakes are discussed using case histories and nonlinear dynamic analyses with different subsurface modeling approaches. The importance of geologic and anthropogenic controls and the effects of stratigraphic heterogeneity, lithological heterogeneity, and inherent soil variability at the project site scale are discussed. The results of these studies reinforce lessons regarding the importance of subsurface characterization and its representation in analyses for evaluating liquefaction-induced ground deformations and their impacts on civil infrastructure.

Ross Boulanger

Consulting Civil Engineer

University of California, Davis

Ross Boulanger is a consulting civil engineer and a Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California, Davis. He received his Bachelor's degree from the University of British Columbia in 1986, followed by his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of California at Berkeley. His tenure at UC Davis from 1992 through 2023 included 14 years as Director of the Center for Geotechnical Modeling and its national shared-use centrifuge facilities. He has over 300 publications, primarily related to liquefaction and its remediation, seismic performance of dams and levees, and seismic soil-structure interaction. His consulting activities are primarily related to dam, tunnel, and infrastructure projects. His honors include the Casagrande Award, Huber Prize, Norman Medal, and Peck Award from ASCE, the Ishihara Lecture from ISSMGE, and election to the US National Academy of Engineering.