Liquefaction hazards mapping along Rеd Sеa coast, Jеddah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study mainly aims to evaluate as well as to develop maps of the liquefaction potential for Jeddah City in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data is obtained and used from 214 boreholes associated with standard penetration tests (SPT). Through taking into account comparable seismic hazardous situations to amax = 0.1 g, the liquefaction potential index (LPI) is measured. In order to compile the liquefaction hazard map, LPI values are correlated, showing the quantitative aspects of the liquefiable layers and the area of likelihood of induced disturbance. This data was analyzed within the framework of the Geographical Information Systems (GIS) application. The results show that, with the exception of the sites in the Abhur and Al-Hamra districts where the liquefaction potential is moderate to high, the main part of the city of Jeddah belongs to a very low liquefaction potential area. The developed liquefaction hazard maps will serve as helpful guides for land planning and management in Jeddah city. In addition to that, they serve as an example of the evaluation of the liquefaction hazard that can also be found in other developed cities in the seismic-prone areas of southern and eastern Saudi Arabia.