Abstract
A moment magnitude 5.4 earthquake struck the Pohang city located in the southeastern Korean Peninsula on 15 November 2017, possibly triggered by an enhanced geothermal system. Despite the moderate magnitude of the earthquake, extensive geotechnical and structural damage occurred. This study summarizes the widespread geotechnical damage resulted from the Pohang earthquake, observed during our reconnaissance trip. The affected area is mainly covered by Tertiary/Quaternary Alluvium underlain by mudstones with a thickness of approximately 500 m. Because of the soft grounds and shallow focal depth, this area experienced ground settlements up to 39 cm, building settlements that made apartments tilted by 1.6°. We also present observations on ground cracks, lateral spreadings, landslides, retaining wall deformations, and liquefactions. Documenting the damage is significant because (1) those are the first earthquake-induced damage observed in Korea, and (2) those are caused by the shallow-depth earthquake possibly induced by an enhanced geothermal system.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
