Introduction to

Liquefaction

What is Liquefaction? Liquefaction-when the strength and

stiffness of a soil is reduced due to earthquake shaking

Liquefaction occurs in saturated soils

Niigata 1964 and Kobe, Japan 1995

Outline Background Effect of liquefaction Types of failure Remedial Measures

History Serious attention because of Japan, Alaska and Nigata

earthquake in 1964.

Look Closer?

Types of Failure

Cyclic Mobility

Overturning

Sand Boiling

Remedial Measures

Wrap Up1. Why is liquefaction dangerous?

2. What do you need for liquefaction to occur?

A. dry soil and an earthquakeB. saturated soil and an earthquake

C. saturated soil

Wrap Up1. Why is liquefaction dangerous?Liquefaction can cause buildings and infrastructure to collapse.2. What do you need for liquefaction to occur?

A. dry soil and an earthquakeB. saturated soil and an earthquake

C. saturated soil