Soil liquefaction describes a phenomenon whereby a saturated or partially saturated soil substantially loses strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, usually earthquake shaking or other sudden change in stress condition, causing it to behave like a liquid.
In soil mechanics the term "liquefied" was first used by Hazen in reference to the 1918 failure of the Calaveras Dam in California. He described the mechanism of flow liquefaction of the embankment dam as follows:
The phenomenon is most often observed in saturated, loose (low density or uncompacted), sandy soils. This is because a loose sand has a tendency to compress when a load is applied; dense sands by contrast tend to expand in volume or 'dilate'. If the soil is saturated by water, a condition that often exists when the soil is below the ground water table or sea level, then water fills the gaps between soil grains ('pore spaces'). In response to the soil compressing, this water increases in pressure and attempts to flow out from the soil to zones of low pressure (usually upward towards the ground surface). However, if the loading is rapidly applied and large enough, or is repeated many times (e.g. earthquake shaking, storm wave loading) such that it does not flow out in time before the next cycle of load is applied, the water pressures may build to an extent where they exceed the contact stresses between the grains of soil that keep them in contact with each other. These contacts between grains are the means by which the weight from buildings and overlying soil layers are transferred from the ground surface to layers of soil or rock at greater depths. This loss of soil structure causes it to lose all of its strength (the ability to transfer shear stress) and it may be observed to flow like a liquid (hence 'liquefaction').
WELLINGTON, Dec ... Prof ... He also warned of secondary hazards, such as soil liquefaction and landslides, particularly in coastal cliffs and hilly areas west of Port Vila, where ground instability could worsen with aftershocks. Enditem .
WELLINGTON, Dec ...Geological Survey said ... Fatahi also warned of secondary hazards, such as soil liquefaction and landslides, particularly in coastal cliffs and hilly areas west of Port Vila, where ground instability could worsen with aftershocks.
Retrofitting a building involves modifying it to improve performance, energy efficiency, and safety ... Furthermore, the building is constructed on silty and sandy soil, making it vulnerable to liquefaction during earthquakes ... On Dec ... ....
During project design, the soil on the Center Street Bridge's west side was found to be loose and prone to liquefaction from an earthquake ... What liquefaction could do to Salem's bridges is less charming.
It’s been loudly and clearly pointed out that soil liquefaction will occur in areas like İskele and Lefke during such an event ...Soil Liquefaction Risks. ... Addressing known risks, such as soil ...
Initial investigations by the DPWH indicated that the failure was due to water pressure buildup, exacerbated by soil liquefaction linked to a nearby company’s pipeline and heavy rainfall from typhoons Kristine and Leon.
“The more moderate voters were split among two candidates,” said political consultant Jake Weigler ... 9 ... Experts found that it sits on soil that is vulnerable to liquefaction, therefore putting the hub at risk, according to reports from the county ... ....
If the seller or their agent knows that the property is on a seismic hazard zone that is subject to strong ground shaking, soil liquefaction or landslide, the information must be disclosed, according to the state Department of Real Estate.
Ramun, aptly subtitled "See the Unseen," poses a solution to the problem that "many hazards, including groundwater pollution and depletion, sinkholes, landslides, and soil liquefaction, remain hidden ...
Liquefaction can cause structures to tilt, or it can lead to a more dramatic phenomenon known as “lateral spreading” in which buildings on suddenly fluid soil slide down gentle slopes, such as toward river banks.
"Liquefaction happens when loose and water-logged soils near the surface become less rigid and 'liquefy' during earthquakes ... Exacerbating this risk is the fact that the entire area sits on loose soil and is subject to liquefaction and earthquakes.
