Deformation of earth-structures is a key problem in studies of soil liquefaction due to earthquake.In many situations

relatively larger deformation of foundation and upper structures occurs before soils fully liquefy because excessive pore water pressures generated in saturated soils have softened the soil strength.However

it is difficult to predict such a deformation for practical engineers

so the concept of degree of liquefaction is introduced in this paper for assessing earth-structure deformations.Considering the disadvantages of existing methods of assessing liquefaction

the background of the concept is given

and the definition and computation methods of this concept are provided.Then

the importance of the concept is displayed by analyzing the deformation of the quay wall of caisson type in Kobe during the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake.Finally

different influence factors are analyzed

and the relationship is produced between degree of liquefaction and earth-structure deformation.Furthermore by analyzing different influencing factors

the disposal areas subject to liquefaction destruction can be reasonably and economically optimized in engineering design.