THE ASSESSMENT OF LIQUEFACTION AND LATERAL SPREADING EFFECTS ON BRIDGES

Abstract

This paper presents a summary of the outcomes from a research project commissioned
by the NZ Transport Agency to develop design guidance for bridges in New Zealand for liquefaction
and lateral spreading effects. The purpose of this research is to prepare design
guidelines that will give clear design methodology and enable cost-efficient design of bridges,
reducing the need for costly ground improvements on sites subject to these hazards. The
current stage of the project is a review of the available design methods and the development
of design principles and methods for liquefaction and lateral spreading effects on bridges
appropriate for New Zealand conditions. Once finalised, the proposed design requirements
and guidelines will be incorporated in the NZ Transport Agency’s Bridge Manual and
disseminated to the wider New Zealand engineering community.