27
May

PEOSC Technical Seminar No.2 - May 27, 2026

5:45 pm - 7:30 pm
  1. In-Person: Function Room at Centre for Immigrant and Community Service (CICS), 2330 Midland Ave, Scarborough, ON, M1S 5G5. See the below photos for the entrance door (green door) to the Function Room and the Parking Lot.
  2. Virtual: Zoom Video Conferencing. Zoom link will be provided later

TOPIC: Liquefaction Simplified: A Practical Approach for Practicing Engineers

PRESENTER: Mathan V. Manmatharajan, P.Eng., Ph.D.; Senior Technical Manager/Principal Mine Waste Engineer

WHERE: Hybrid Format

  1. In-Person: Function Room at Centre for Immigrant and Community Service (CICS), 2330 Midland Ave, Scarborough, ON, M1S 5G5. See the below photos for the entrance door (green door) to the Function Room and the Parking Lot.

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  1. Virtual: Zoom Video Conferencing. Zoom link will be provided later. 

WHEN:  May 27, 2026, Wednesday, 5:45 - 7:30 pm

REGISTRATION: Follow the Link

Agenda

5:45 pm    Registration and Networking

6:00 pm    Welcome message

6.05 pm    Introduction

6:10 pm    Presentation 

7:00 pm    Q&A

7:15 pm    Vote of Thanks and Conclusion

About the Presenter: 

Dr. Mathan Manmatharajan is a Senior Technical Manager and Principal Mine Waste Engineer at WSP. He earned his master’s degree from Carleton University and his doctorate from the University of Toronto.

With 19 years of experience spanning both research and professional practice, he has developed extensive expertise in geotechnical engineering. His work includes liquefaction assessment of gravelly and sandy soils, as well as mine tailings; site investigation and geotechnical characterization; instrumentation and performance monitoring; and advanced laboratory testing covering critical state behavior, monotonic, cyclic, and post-cyclic response. He is also experienced in NORSAND constitutive modeling, site response analyses, seismic deformation analysis, and liquefaction mitigation measures.

His experience also includes numerical modeling, as well as the design and construction of deep foundations, dams, and retaining structures. He has published more than 20 technical papers.

Synopsis of the Topic: 

Liquefaction remains one of the most critical geotechnical hazards affecting the performance of earth structures, foundations, and tailings facilities. This seminar offers a practical and accessible introduction to soil liquefaction for practicing engineers, simplifying key concepts related to triggering mechanisms, static and cyclic loading response, and post-liquefaction behaviour. The focus is on providing the essential knowledge needed for everyday design and assessment.

The session will cover simplified liquefaction evaluation methods, including the interpretation of field test data such as Cone Penetration Test (CPT) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT), as well as the influence of soil type, gradation, density, plasticity, and state parameter. Real-world examples and case histories will be used to illustrate common challenges and highlight best practices.

In addition, this seminar will explore the complexities involved in evaluating post-liquefaction strength in both natural soils and tailings. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to identify liquefaction-prone conditions, apply practical assessment tools, and make informed engineering decisions based on current practice.