Condition indicators for liquefaction are mainly given by the soil properties gained from gradation curves and empirically, using relationships between number of SPT blows or CPT results and liquefaction potential. Recent earthquake events as well as recent studies have shown that silty soils, which had been thought to be less prone to liquefaction than sands, are still likely to liquefy. Therefore, the influence of the loading path, and in particular the loading velocity and loading direction, on the liquefaction susceptibility of silty soils will be discussed. It can be deduced that the earthquake profile as well as the boundary conditions related to loading functions have a significant influence on the liquefaction susceptibility. Also liquefaction observed in the field is no t only to be related to the liquefaction of the soil under the free field boundary conditions but the reduction of effective stress during an earthquake has to be regarded in terms of the actual stress interplay in the subsoil. The "starting" conditions as well as the influence of the loading function (frequency and form, stress ratios) will be discussed based on a literature review, which will be enhanced in the future with results obtained with the new cyclic hollow cylinder apparatus. The results will be introduced in a new concept of risk management for earthquakes for buildings and lifelines in an urban environment.