Investigations and liquefaction assessment at the Pagliare di Sassa site (L'Aquila, central Italy)

This paper illustrates the results of site investigations and liquefaction analyses at the Pagliare di Sassa site (PSS), carried out as part of a 3rd level Seismic Microzonation study of the western portion of L’Aquila Municipality territory (central Italy). The PSS was investigated by boreholes, geotechnical in-situ tests and geophysical surveys. The subsoil model of the PSS, defined based on the available geological and geotechnical data, is characterized by features potentially predisposing to liquefaction, such as shallow sand levels and groundwater table close to the ground surface. The liquefaction potential has been investigated using simplified methods based on different in-situ test results (CPTU, DMT, VS). The Pagliare di Sassa pilot study has provided a useful contribution in the evaluation of the liquefaction potential of soils within the area involved by the Seismic Microzonation study, aiming to correctly plan the use of the territory with respect to the seismic risk.