Abstract
The monotonic “backbone” curves and cyclic “hysteresis” stress-strain response are key inputs into seismic site response analysis. For the hysteresis response the Masing rule is often used with a variety of backbone models. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the suitability of Masing rules to simulate the stress-strain and damping response for offshore carbonate sediments based on resonant column test results. Two alternative methods for simulating the stress-strain (shear modulus degradation) and damping curves required for such analyses are compared and key results, including the influence on liquefaction risk, are presented through application to typical carbonate sediments from offshore Australia.