Liquefaction Hazard Research Articles

Development of a 3D Geologic Model Used in the Seismic Hazard and Liquefaction Hazard Analysis of Madison County, Tennessee

ABSTRACT Madison County of western Tennessee is approximately 100 km southeast of the New Madrid seismic zone and, thus, is subject to potentially dangerous seismic shaking and liquefaction events. Holocene floodplain alluvium and associated Pliocene/Pleistocene terraces of the Forked Deer and Hatchie Rivers cover a large part of Madison County. Underlying these unconsolidated sediments are approximately ∼650 m of poorly consolidated Paleogene and Cretaceous terrestrial and marine sediments, which are underlain by Paleozoic limestone bedrock. Uniform regional geology used in the 2014 United States Geological Survey seismic hazard maps assumes a homogenous seismic velocity structure above bedrock. Three-dimensional geologic mapping of the ∼700 m of Quaternary, Neogene, Paleogene, and Cretaceous sediments conducted in this study provides a more detailed velocity structure, resulting in a more accurate and detailed map of the expected ground motions in Madison County during future earthquakes. In addition, the surface geologic map reveals regions that are susceptible to liquefaction. This paper discusses the methods used to construct the surface geology map, subsurface structure contour maps, isopach maps, and 3D geologic model used in the seismic hazard and liquefaction hazard analyses of Madison County, Tennessee, and summaries of the results of these analyses are presented.

Probabilistic Regional Liquefaction Hazard and Risk Analysis: A Case Study of Residential Buildings in Alameda, California

Probabilistic Regional Liquefaction Hazard and Risk Analysis: A Case Study of Residential Buildings in Alameda, California

Liquefaction evaluation on sand-like gravelly soil deposits based on field Vs measurements during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

During the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, extensive liquefaction of sand-like gravelly soil deposits was observed over an area of about 500 × 200 km2. Since gravel content significantly affects the stiffness and liquefaction resistance of gravelly soils, it has become an ongoing challenge for engineers to reliably and cost-effectively assess the liquefaction resistance of such soil deposits with different gravel contents. To this end, the procedures for consistently assessing the liquefaction resistance of sand-like gravelly soils were first put forward based on the previously proposed improved CRR-Vs1 characterization model for binary mixtures, which converts the liquefaction evaluation of sand-like gravelly soils into the assessment of liquefaction resistance of the base sand matrix with an equivalent stiffness. Then, in-situ gravelly soils sampled from the earthquake-impacted area were tested to parameterize the proposed characterization model. Lastly, liquefaction case histories of gravelly soils compiled during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake were recompiled and restudied to validate the performance of the proposed characterization model. Typical liquefaction case history studies show that the proposed characterization model successfully predicts the severe liquefaction hazard at the Banqiao school site and the marginal liquefaction phenomenon at the Jiangyou thermal power plant site. Comparisons between the proposed characterization model and the 54 recompiled liquefaction case history datasets demonstrate that the proposed characterization model can accurately discriminate both the liquefied and non-liquefied case histories. These validation results in turn suggest that the proposed characterization model is highly feasible for engineering applications on a regional scale covering various gravel contents.

Quantitative Assessments of the Liquefaction Hazard of Soils considering Possible Strong Earthquakes in Seismically Active Regions of Russia

Introduction The seismogenic liquefaction of the soil poses a great hazard to society and the environment. Therefore, it is actively studied in many countries. In Russian engineering and seismological practice, this area is not sufficiently developed. The deterministic approach still prevails in Russian research on this topic. More modern probabilistic estimates are very rare. Methods This paper describes examples of both deterministic and probabilistic assessments of the seismogenic liquefaction hazard performed in certain areas of the Russian territory with different seismogeological conditions. Deterministic estimates were made using the Iwasaki-Seed-Finn methods and their modifications. Probability distribution functions of a random variable, the “seismic potential of liquefaction” (SPL), were developed for probabilistic estimates. These functions are regional in nature and take into account two types of uncertainties. The first is the uncertainty in achieving “critical” values by the SPL value in the event of potentially dangerous earthquake sources for a given location. The second is the uncertainty in the very occurrence of these sources in a given place for a given period of time. The “critical” SPL values are determined by the strength properties of the site soils. All estimates are based on multivariate calculations using various models of strong ground motions and seismicity. In all cases, the probability of liquefaction of water-saturated sandy and sandy-loam deposits was estimated which were found near the seabed and at depths of up to 80 m in the waters of Pogibi cape (the coast of Sakhalin island), in the districts of Sochi and Novorossiysk, as well as in land conditions (Stavropol, Krasnodar). Results The results of the research made it possible to correctly (at the quantitative level) take into account this component of the seismic hazard of the studied territories. Conclusion The variants of practical use of the obtained data are offered. An assessment of the possibilities and limitations of the developed methodology is made, and ways to improve it are outlined.

Escape routes and safe points in natural hazards. A case study for soil

The scope of this work was to develop soil liquefaction and landslide hazard maps, by computing Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) for a return period of 475 years, to outline safe points and escape routes designed for schools situated in the drainage basin of Xerias River at northeastern Peloponnese, Greece. The school locations were spatially correlated with each geohazard map to assess the potential hazards to schools within the study area. Web maps illustrating safe and unsafe areas for both geohazards were developed though the GIS online platform for the town of Corinth and four settlements of the study area, where schools exist. Safe points were identified, and routes for evacuation from schools to these locations were mapped using the shortest paths on the existing road network for each geohazard. All the data was integrated into the GIS application available to the public. The findings indicated that 75% of the schools in the study area are situated in areas susceptible to soil liquefaction and landslide hazards. The northern part of the town of Corinth, which includes 62% of the town's schools, is situated in unsafe areas to soil liquefaction. Unsafe areas for landslides are located in the central and northern section of the town, encompassing 35% of the schools. The school buildings in one settlement within the study area are situated in safe areas for both geohazards. The schools in the remaining settlements are sited in areas considered unsafe due to either liquefaction or landslides hazard. A total of 12 safe points were proposed for soil liquefaction hazard and 17 for landslide hazard across all the studied urban areas. The suggested escape routes for both geohazards range from 200 to 1094 m, distances that teachers and students can easily walk. The proposed method can rapidly and effectively identify safe locations and evacuation routes, facilitating authorities in planning for evacuations.

Evaluation of soil liquefaction in the city of Hatay triggered after the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye earthquake sequence

This study investigates the consequences of consequences of liquefaction hazards following the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Hatay, Türkiye. Field reconnaissance surveys were conducted in areas prone to liquefaction, including recent alluvial basins, the Amik (Amuq) Plain, and the Asi (Orontes) River. Specifically, attention was given to İskenderun (Alexandretta), Dörtyol coasts, the Hatay Airport region, and Demirköprü village near the Asi River. Observations indicated that geological and geomorphological factors primarily influenced liquefaction ejecta and liquefaction-induced lateral spreading in these areas. In Dörtyol, liquefaction manifestations were observed on the coastline, which has undergone natural processes, while in İskenderun, they occurred on human-made extended reclaimed land. Additionally, liquefaction manifestations in the Hatay Airport region were impacted by the drained Amik Lake, and those in Demirköprü Village were influenced by the fluvial nature of the Asi River and its sub facies. The sites experiencing liquefaction and lateral spreading mainly comprised coastal deposits, lacustrine sediments, and sub facies of the meandering river, such as point bars, abandoned channels, and levees. Consequently, the study underscores the significant correlation between geomorphology and liquefaction hazards in the context of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye Earthquakes. Considering these factors may facilitate further research and the identification of sites susceptible to liquefaction.

A Review of Probabilistic Approaches for Assessing the Liquefaction Hazard in Urban Areas

A Review of Probabilistic Approaches for Assessing the Liquefaction Hazard in Urban Areas

Liquefaction hazard of Wellington reclamations based on conventional analysis

Severe liquefaction-induced damage occurred in reclamation fills at the port of Wellington (CentrePort) in the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, but little or no damage was reported in areas of older and shallower reclamations in central Wellington. Recent studies have therefore primarily focused on understanding the liquefaction hazard of the port, while little is still understood with regards to the fill characteristics and liquefaction potential of the Wellington reclamations outside CentrePort. This study utilizes data from comprehensive field investigations, including 58 new cone penetration tests (CPTs) performed both within and outside the port in the Wellington waterfront area, supplemented with over 100 CPTs from our previous studies at CentrePort, to characterize the liquefaction resistance of the reclaimed fills in Wellington. The geotechnical data is first used to define simplified schematic soil profiles and to determine characteristic CPT parameter values (25th–50th–75th percentiles) for fills encountered in different reclamation areas. These analyses highlight differences in the soil profiles, and the relative similarity in the estimate of liquefaction resistance based on conventional CPT-based assessment, of fills encountered in different reclamation areas despite differences in the age, techniques, and materials employed in the construction of these reclamations. Conventional liquefaction assessments of reclamation fills based on CPT data are then performed over the wider waterfront area for a range of earthquake scenarios and ground motion intensities relevant for Wellington. For recent, past earthquakes, correspondence between predicted and observed severity of the manifestations of liquefaction vary depending on the earthquake event and area of observations. Likelihood of liquefaction occurrence and severity of the effects of liquefaction are then discussed for characteristic return periods, in the context of the seismic hazard of Wellington.

A probabilistic extension of existing site-specific liquefaction triggering and liquefaction manifestation methods for regional scale evaluations

Liquefaction hazard analyses are needed for regional-scale applications, such as risk analysis and upgrades of electrical transmission, water conveyance, and highway systems. In this paper, we expand well-established site-specific liquefaction triggering and manifestation analysis methods for regional scale application by explicitly addressing the uncertainty in groundwater conditions, soil behavior classification, and cyclic resistance. The uncertainty inherent to regional-scale geotechnical properties is quantified by considering the inputs into conventional liquefaction triggering and manifestation analyses as random variables. With this flexible and extensional formulation, the geostatistical properties needed for regional scale analyses may be estimated by either averaging borehole information or spatially interpolating geotechnical properties across broad geologic deposits. We demonstrate the utility of the method by analyzing the liquefaction hazard throughout the south San Francisco Bay area, California, U.S.A. The resulting estimates of the probability of liquefaction manifestation tend to be lower than previously published estimates, largely owing to the geologic structure of the area and the uncertainty in liquefaction surface manifestation once liquefaction is triggered at depth. Uncertainties in groundwater conditions, soil behavior classification, penetration resistance, and liquefaction manifestation are quantified by the regional scale analyses, which provide a complete and systematic evaluation of the liquefaction hazards, localize the uncertainties in subsurface conditions, and facilitate supplemental investigations at areas of high uncertainty to fill data gaps.

Investigating a hybrid extreme learning machine coupled with Dingo Optimization Algorithm for modeling liquefaction triggering in sand-silt mixtures

Liquefaction is a devastating consequence of earthquakes that occurs in loose, saturated soil deposits, resulting in catastrophic ground failure. Accurate prediction of such geotechnical parameter is crucial for mitigating hazards, assessing risks, and advancing geotechnical engineering. This study introduces a novel predictive model that combines Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) with Dingo Optimization Algorithm (DOA) to estimate strain energy-based liquefaction resistance. The hybrid model (ELM-DOA) is compared with the classical ELM, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System with Fuzzy C-Means (ANFIS-FCM model), and Sub-clustering (ANFIS-Sub model). Also, two data pre-processing scenarios are employed, namely traditional linear and non-linear normalization. The results demonstrate that non-linear normalization significantly enhances the prediction performance of all models by approximately 25% compared to linear normalization. Furthermore, the ELM-DOA model achieves the most accurate predictions, exhibiting the lowest root mean square error (484.286 J/m3), mean absolute percentage error (24.900%), mean absolute error (404.416 J/m3), and the highest correlation of determination (0.935). Additionally, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) has been developed, specifically tailored for the ELM-DOA model, to assist engineers and researchers in maximizing the utilization of this predictive model. The GUI provides a user-friendly platform for easy input of data and accessing the model's predictions, enhancing its practical applicability. Overall, the results strongly support the proposed hybrid model with GUI serving as an effective tool for assessing soil liquefaction resistance in geotechnical engineering, aiding in predicting and mitigating liquefaction hazards.

Further development of distinct lattice spring model with Finn model for liquefaction analysis

The hazards associated with sand liquefaction induced by dynamic events are significant. The study of the dynamic stability in hydraulic structures presents an interdisciplinary challenge encompassing both geotechnical engineering and engineering seismology. This study was based on an actual hydraulic engineering project. To effectively predict changes in pore pressure caused by earthquakes, we integrated the Finn constitutive equations into a distinct lattice spring model (DLSM). In this study, the code was customized to accommodate multiple materials simultaneously participating in the calculations, thus simplifying the solution to complex engineering problems. Initially, we validated the DLSM’s liquefaction equation by comparing it with the finite difference method. Subsequently, we conducted a comparative analysis of liquefaction in an engineering project of sluice using the enhanced DLSM. Our analysis indicates that untreated sand has a severe risk of trending toward liquefaction, presenting a hazard to hydraulic engineering. The incorporation of a gridded concrete framework significantly mitigated the seismic-induced pore pressure accumulation and irreversible deformations caused by vibrations. A comparative study showed that concrete retaining walls with concrete supports are more effective at reducing liquefaction hazards and minimizing irreversible deformations in engineering structures.

Assessing seismic soil liquefaction susceptibility and hazard zonation in Bihar, India: a comparative study of deterministic method

Assessing seismic soil liquefaction susceptibility and hazard zonation in Bihar, India: a comparative study of deterministic method

Liquefaction Potential Analysis in Terboyo Industrial Park

Terboyo industrial park is one of the most important industrial areas in Semarang City. It is located on the north sea coast of Java, where in fact the land is alluvial soil. The characteristic of alluvial soil which is loose and tends to store much water can cause liquefaction phenomena when it is hit by an earthquake. Moreover, Semarang city is passed by an active fault along 34 km which has the potential to cause an earthquake measuring 6.5 magnitudes. Liquefaction is one geotechnical phenomena that occur due to cyclic loads. It causes the soil to lose its carrying capacity and function like a liquid, so it is very dangerous for the infrastructure above it. The research objective to analyze the possibility of liquefaction in Terboyo industrial park. This research method was begun with collect secondary data in the form of soil data and earthquake data. After collecting data, then the data was processed and analyzed using semi-empirical methods. The data processing produces cyclic stress ratio (CSR) and cyclic resistance ratio (CRR) values which were analyzed for safety factor (SF) as a parameter for the level of liquefaction potential. Then, know the level of liquefaction potential from the Liquefaction Potential Index (LPI) method is the following procedure. Based on the results of the liquefaction potential analysis, the soil in Terboyo Industrial Park is very vulnerable to liquefaction hazards because the LPI value is 23.57.

Reliability-based seismic liquefaction hazard mapping of Kolkata Metropolitan City, India, using ordinary kriging technique

Reliability-based seismic liquefaction hazard mapping of Kolkata Metropolitan City, India, using ordinary kriging technique

WITHDRAWAL – Administrative Duplicate Publication: Discussion of What is the Smallest Earthquake Magnitude that Needs to be Considered in Assessing Liquefaction Hazard? by Roger M.W. Musson

WITHDRAWAL – Administrative Duplicate Publication: Discussion of What is the Smallest Earthquake Magnitude that Needs to be Considered in Assessing Liquefaction Hazard? by Roger M.W. Musson

Liquefaction potential analysis based on standard penetration test in coastal area (Case study: Loh Buaya, Rinca Island, Indonesia)

An area has liquefaction potential when it has a shallow groundwater level, loose sandy soil, and is prone to earthquakes. There are several areas with such criteria that have not been analysed for liquefaction potential. This study aims to analyse and plot the liquefaction potential in the coastal area of Loh Buaya, Rinca Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province. Soil investigation data, such as SPT, sieve analysis, and groundwater level, as well as earthquake history that occurred from 1922-2022, served as the main data for liquefaction potential analyses. The methods used were Ground Motion Equation Prediction (GMPE) to calculate Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), Simplified Procedure, and Liquefaction Severity Index (LSI) to make a liquefaction hazard assessment. LSI scores were used to provide micro-zonation of liquefaction potential with Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation in QGIS. The result obtained is very dense gravel has no liquefaction potential whereas loose sandy soil has very high in LSI classification because loose sandy soil has liquefaction potential up to 20 meters of depth. The applying of micro-zonation LSI by IDW interpolation method can estimate the potential level of liquefaction hazard on Loh Buaya, Rinca Island with limited soil investigation data.

Induced Partial Saturation Using Pseudomonas stutzeri Biogas for Mitigate Structure Settlement

Induced partial saturation (IPS) is a new foundation treatment method for mitigating soil liquefaction using biogas. A series of laboratory tests were performed to demonstrate the influencing factors of IPS using Pseudomonas stutzeri biogas. On the basis of the optimal biogas production conditions, the intervention effect of Pseudomonas stutzeri biogas on the foundation deformation under buildings was investigated based on shaking table tests. The test results showed that the best carbon source in the denitrification process of Pseudomonas stutzeri biogas is sodium citrate. The most effective initial value of optical density-based concentration was 0.1. The carbon–nitrogen ratio (C/N) of the bacterium suspension was used as the index to control the saturation. The degree of saturation reduction showed a good linear correlation with the C/N. The optimum temperature of this method was between 20 °C and 30 °C. The most suitable pH value was between 7 and 9. The environmental factors had minimal influence on the degree of saturation reduction but had a significant effect on the average rate of gas generation and the period of initial stagnation. After Pseudomonas stutzeri biogas desaturation, the settlement of the building was greatly reduced. The settlement of saturation of 92.5% sand foundation reached 17.1 mm, and the 85% saturation was only 10.6 mm. These results provide a good foundation for the feasibility of utilizing Pseudomonas stutzeri biogas mitigation of the liquefaction hazard of sand.

Assessment of liquefaction effects on dynamic soil-structure interaction for the 1908 Messina and Reggio Calabria scenario earthquake

Earthquake-induced liquefaction can significantly modify the dynamic response of a soil deposit and interacting structures. In this study, dynamic soil-structure interaction analyses have been performed for a strategic building resting on liquefiable soil. The structure, located in the city of Messina (Sicily, Italy), was built after the strong earthquake of 1908 that caused severe ground shaking and also liquefaction phenomena. Numerical analyses have been conducted with the finite element code PLAXIS3D that adopts the UBC3D-PLM model to simulate the seismic response of liquefiable soils. The advanced UBC3D-PLM model has been calibrated by means of the simulation of cyclic direct simple shear tests (CDSS) using PLAXIS3D software. The seismic behaviour of the soil-structure system on liquefiable soil has been analysed in terms of liquefaction potential, accelerations, response spectra and displacements under three seismograms of the 1908 earthquake. Findings of this study can be of great significance and interest for the prevention and mitigation of seismic liquefaction hazards in areas with high seismic risk.

Geospatial liquefaction probability models based on sand boils occurred during the 2017 M5.5 Pohang, South Korea, earthquake

The 2017 Pohang earthquake, triggered by an enhanced geothermal system, had a moment magnitude (M) of 5.5 and caused liquefaction in Pohang City, South Korea. Notably, approximately 600 sand boils were observed only in the soft Quaternary alluvial sediments. This contrasts with most historic liquefaction cases that occurred in earthquakes with M ≥ 6.0. In addition, ground and building settlements were reported in Pohang City. To assess the liquefaction hazard for the Pohang earthquake within the city, we define a 14.4 km2 area where the majority of liquefaction was observed. Using the liquefaction data, we develop eight geospatial liquefaction probability models using logistic regression (LR) and random forest (RF) algorithms (five LR- and three RF-based models). These models consider geospatial data (peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, slope-derived average shear wave velocity of the upper 30 m, compound topographic index, distance to the nearest water, and roughness) and geotechnical data (averaged standard penetration test N values up to 20 m depth, depth to rock). We evaluate the performances of our eight models and existing global and regional geospatial models using four indicators: accuracy, balanced accuracy, F1 score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The three RF-based models outperform the other models, followed by the best LR-based model and the global geospatial model from Zhu et al. (2015). Finally, we apply the best RF-based model to the entire Pohang City and evaluate its applicability to other regions and earthquakes. The estimated liquefaction probabilities agree well with the observed distributions of the sand boils and settlements. These geospatial liquefaction models provide a valuable tool for continuously mapping liquefaction hazards in areas with similar geological and geotechnical conditions to Pohang.

Thirty Years After Kobe: The Role of Controlled Blasting in Mitigating Liquefaction Hazards

Thirty Years After Kobe: The Role of Controlled Blasting in Mitigating Liquefaction Hazards