Site response analysis in effective stress of a coastal area in the north-western Adriatic region (Italy)

The North-Western Adriatic coast is characterized by a continuous shallow marine sandy deposit, constituted by two stratigraphic units with a different fine content and with the water table close to the ground surface; therefore, this area is historically vulnerable to liquefaction phenomena. In this work, the results of a comprehensive site and laboratory surveys are presented aimed at obtaining a reliable geotechnical model of a test site along the North-Western Adriatic coast. Seismic response analyses are then carried out through the one-dimensional nonlinear code SCOSSA, which can simulate excess pore water pressure build-up, redistribution and dissipation, using as input a set of recorded accelerograms compatible with the national building code. The analyses results highlight the importance of carrying out an accurate characterization of the site and of the selection criterion of the input motions in performing advanced dynamic analyses to detect the liquefaction potential and for a reliable design of important structures and infrastructures in this area.