Soil Improvement for Mitigation of Damage During the 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake

Abstract

Ground modification has been used extensively to reduce earthquake damage at poor soil sites. Case history data are crucial for assessing the effectiveness of such mitigation. Following the 1999 Kocaeli Earthquake (Mw = 7.4), the authors investigated the performance of industrial/commercial facilities along Izmit Bay. The region is vital to Turkey's economy, generating about 10% of the nation's GDP. Soil conditions along the Bay consist of soft, weak soils that increase earthquake damage potential. Soil improvement is being increasingly used in the region as a cost-effective mitigation solution. Our study of four major facilities on improved ground showed the treatment to be effective in mitigating losses relative to facilities on unimproved ground.