The Bhuj, India, earthquake: lessons learned for earthquake safety of dams on alluvium

The Bhuj, India, earthquake of 26 January 2001, M_s 7.9, caused dams built on alluvium to sustain damage ranging from cosmetic to severe. Major damage was caused almost entirely by soil liquefaction in the alluvium. The critical factor was the level of earthquake ground motion.

The Bhuj earthquake showed that peak horizontal accelerations (PHAs)≤0.2 g were generally safe. PHAs>0.2 g were hazardous, when unconsolidated granular foundation soils were water saturated. N values of <20 are indicative of susceptibility to soil liquefaction. The Bhuj experience showed that alluvial foundation soils, subject to a PHA>0.2 g, must be evaluated over the full area beneath a new dam and all soils deemed susceptible to liquefaction must be either removed or treated. For remediating an old dam, reliable options are removal and replacement of liquefiable alluvium beneath upstream and downstream portions of the dam, combined with building berms designed to provide stability for the dam should there be a strength loss in soils beneath the dam.     

近远场地震动作用下地铁车站结构地基液化效应的振动台试验

开展了近场和远场地震动作用下3跨3层地铁车站结构地基液化效应的振动台模型试验,测试了地铁车站结构的加速度、应变、水平位移反应和地基土孔隙水压力、加速度、震陷及其作用于模型结构侧墙的动土压力反应。分析和总结了地铁车站结构地基液化效应特征,结果表明：模型结构对其周围地基土孔隙水压力场的分布有明显影响,结构两侧和底部地基土中的孔压峰值小于相同深度离结构较远地基土中的孔压峰值;地基土中孔压的消散速度自下而上呈逐渐减慢的趋势;地震动作用过程中,模型结构产生向上的相对运动,强地震动作用时模型结构上浮现象明显;模型结构侧墙受到的动土压力随深度增大而减小,输入地震动特性对动土压力的大小有显著影响。     

Modeling of seismic hazard for Turkey using the recent neotectonic data

Recent developments in the neotectonic framework of Turkey introduced new tectonic elements necessitating the reconstruction of Turkey's seismic hazard map. In this regard, 14 seismic source zones were delineated. Maximum earthquake magnitudes for each seismic zones were determined using the fault rupture length approximation. Regression coefficients of the earthquake magnitude–frequency relationships for the seismic zones were compiled mostly from earlier works. Along with these data, a strong ground motion attenuation relationship developed by Joyner and Boore [Joyner, W.B., Boore, D.M., 1988. Measurement, characterization, and prediction of strong ground motion. Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics, 2. Recent Advances Ground Motion Evaluation, pp. 43–102.] was utilized to model the seismic hazard for Turkey using the probabilistic approach. For the modeling, the “earthquake location uncertainty” concept was employed. A grid of 5106 points with 0.2° intervals was constituted for the area encompassed by the 25–46°E longitudes and 35–43°N latitudes. For the return periods of 100 and 475 years, the peak horizontal ground acceleration (pga) in bedrock was computed for each grid point. Isoacceleration maps for the return periods of 100 and 475 years were constructed by contouring the pga values at each node.     

Engineering geologic and geotechnical analysis of paleoseismic shaking using liquefaction effects: field examples

The greatest impediments to the widespread acceptance of back-calculated ground motion characteristics from paleoliquefaction studies typically stem from three uncertainties: (1) the significance of changes in the geotechnical properties of post-liquefied sediments (e.g., “aging” and density changes), (2) the selection of appropriate geotechnical soil indices from individual paleoliquefaction sites, and (3) the methodology for integration of back-calculated results of strength of shaking from individual paleoliquefaction sites into a regional assessment of paleoseismic strength of shaking. Presented herein are two case studies that illustrate the methods outlined by Olson et al. [Engineering Geology, this issue] for addressing these uncertainties.

The first case study is for a site near Memphis, Tennessee, wherein cone penetration test data from side-by-side locations, one of liquefaction and the other of no liquefaction, are used to readily discern that the influence of post-liquefaction “aging” and density changes on the measured in situ soil indices is minimal. In the second case study, 12 sites that are at scattered locations in the Wabash Valley and that exhibit paleoliquefaction features are analyzed. The features are first provisionally attributed to the Vincennes Earthquake, which occurred around 6100 years BP, and are used to illustrate our proposed approach for selecting representative soil indices of the liquefied sediments. These indices are used in back-calculating the strength of shaking at the individual sites, the results from which are then incorporated into a regional assessment of the moment magnitude, M, of the Vincennes Earthquake. The regional assessment validated the provisional assumption that the paleoliquefaction features at the scattered sites were induced by the Vincennes Earthquake, in the main, which was determined to have M7.5. The uncertainties and assumptions used in the assessment are discussed in detail.     

Soft sediments and damage pattern: a few case studies from large Indian earthquakes vis-a-vis seismic risk evaluation

India is prone to earthquake hazard; almost 65 % area falls in high to very high seismic zones, as per the seismic zoning map of the country. The Himalaya and the Indo-Gangetic plains are particularly vulnerable to high seismic hazard. Any major earthquake in Himalaya can cause severe destruction and multiple fatalities in urban centers located in the vicinity. Seismically induced ground motion amplification and soil liquefaction are the two main factors responsible for severe damage to the structures, especially, built on soft sedimentary environment. These are essentially governed by the size of earthquake, epicentral distance and geology of the area. Besides, lithology of the strata, i.e., sediment type, grain size and their distribution, thickness, lateral discontinuity and ground water depth, play an important role in determining the nature and degree of destruction. There has been significant advancement in our understanding and assessment of these two phenomena. However, data from past earthquakes provide valuable information which help in better estimation of ground motion amplification and soil liquefaction for evaluation of seismic risk in future and planning the mitigation strategies. In this paper, we present the case studies of past three large Indian earthquakes, i.e., 1803 Uttaranchal earthquake (Mw 7.5); 1934 Bihar–Nepal earthquake (Mw 8.1) and 2001 Bhuj earthquake (Mw 7.7) and discuss the role of soft sediments particularly, alluvial deposits in relation to the damage pattern due to amplified ground motions and soil liquefaction induced by the events. The results presented in the paper are mainly focused around the sites located on the river banks and experienced major destruction during these events. It is observed that the soft sedimentary sites located even far from earthquake epicenter, with low water saturation, experienced high ground motion amplification; while the sites with high saturation level have undergone soil liquefaction. We also discuss the need of intensifying studies related to ground motion amplification and soil liquefaction in India as these are the important inputs for detailed seismic hazard estimation.     

高原季节性冻土区砂土液化探讨——以阿克陶MS6.7地震为例

2016年11月25日新疆阿克陶县木吉乡发生MS6.7地震,发震构造为公格尔山拉张系北端的木吉断裂,断裂总长度超过100 km,以右旋走滑为主兼有一定的拉张分量。文章在对震区进行了初步的地震地质灾害调查,总结砂土液化和地裂缝在高原季节性冻土地区的分布及发育特点的基础上,发现:1)在研究区Ⅰ维日麻村的砂土液化主要沿原有泉眼或沿地裂缝发育,沿泉眼形成的砂土液化其喷砂锥的覆盖面积达36.1 m2,占总液化面积的60%,研究区Ⅱ布拉克村的砂土液化则主要是沿草甸的根系喷出,在地表形成大面积的最新涌水结冻特征;2)对研究区Ⅱ布拉克村地裂缝的深度进行统计,反演出区域冻土层厚度,结合探槽揭露的地层剖面,推断冻土层发生大面积地裂缝是因为地震引起冻土层下部融土层发生砂土液化导致土层变形失稳,从而使冻土层发生形变产生一系列规律性的地裂缝。     

Explanation of liquefaction in after shock of the 2011 great east Japan earthquake using numerical analysis

During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, severe liquefaction occurred in reclaimed ground in Urayasu city, Chiba prefecture. This liquefaction provided important lessons for us to re-recognize the liquefaction mechanism. A distinct feature of the liquefaction in this earthquake is that severe liquefaction happened not only in the main shock but also in an aftershock with a maximum acceleration of 25 gal. In some areas, liquefaction happened in the aftershock is even more serious than that happened in the main shock. In this paper, focus is placed on the characteristic features in the occurrence of liquefaction and consequent ground settlement. Based on the observed data, a series of dynamic–static analyses, considering not only the earthquake loading but also static loading during the consolidation after the earthquake shocks, are conducted in a sequential way just the same as the scenario in the earthquake. The calculation is conducted with 3D soil–water coupling finite element–finite difference analyses based on a cyclic elasto-plastic constitutive model. From the results of analyses, it is recognized that small sequential earthquakes, which cannot cause liquefaction of a ground in an independent earthquake vibration, cannot be neglected when the ground has already experienced liquefaction after a major vibration. In addition, the aftershock has great influence on the long-term settlement of low permeability soil layer. The observed and predicted liquefaction and settlements are compared and discussed carefully. It is confirmed that the numerical method used in this study can describe the ground behavior correctly under repeated earthquake shocks.     

A “T-Z” approach for cyclic axial loading analysis of single piles

A simple and efficient numerical approach is presented for the cyclic axial loading analysis of vertical single piles embedded in a layered soil profile. The soil medium along the embedded pile is represented by simple “t–z” curves which define the shear stres-vertical displacement response of the soil at each particular depth. A hyperbolic “t-z” representation of the soil medium presented by Chin and Poulos, which caters for the case of a two-layered and “Gibson” soil profiles, is utilised. Under cyclic loading conditions, the well-known Masing's criteria governing the unloading and reloading responses are incorporated into the “t-z” curves. The cyclic loading effects of pile capacity degradation and accumulation of pile displacement are catered for in an approximate manner. Some numerical results are presented to show the important parameters affecting the cyclic response of single piles embedded in a layered soil. Finally, a comparison with field measurements of a cyclic pile load test shows general agreement between numerical and field results.     

郑州黄河岸边开采地下水对大堤稳定性影响

通过对郑州市黄河大堤一线土体的沉降，压密固结，饱水砂土的地震液化研究，认为黄河大堤附近浅层地下水开采后所诱发的地面沉降，固结过程，不会对大堤造成危害，而饱水砂土的水位降低，还会减轻或消除地震时液化砂土现象，对大堤的稳定性有利。     

Microzonation of Zeytinburnu region with respect to soil amplification: A case study

A microzonation study is performed as a part of the Zeytinburnu Pilot Project within the framework of the Earthquake Master Plan for Istanbul to determine the effects of local soil conditions on the earthquake forces that will act on structures. For this purpose, detailed geological and geotechnical studies are conducted at the site, a geological map which demonstrates the local geological features of the site is prepared, and the site is classified with respect to the dynamic behaviour based on the data gathered from the soil borings. In order to investigate the effects of local soil conditions on the dynamic behaviour, site response analyses are performed with the computer code EERA by utilizing the findings of field and laboratory investigations. The behaviour of the region during a probable earthquake is investigated through one dimensional response analyses and microzonation maps are prepared with respect to ground shaking intensity in accordance with the new microzonation manual [Ansal, A., Laue, J., Buchheister, J., Erdik, M., Springman, S., Studer, J., and Koksal, D., 2004. “Site characterization and site amplification for a seismic microzonation study in Turkey” 11th Int. Conference on Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering and 3rd Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, San Francisco; Studer, J. and Ansal, A., 2004. Belediyeler için Sismik Mikrobölgeleme El Kitabı, Araştırma Raporu, Afet İşleri Genel Müdürlüğü, Bayındırlık ve İskan Bakanlığı, Afet Risk Yönetimi Dünya Enstitüsü].     

Utilization of underground spaces in urban areas: Urban geo-grid plan

Miyake, N. and Denda, A., 1993. Utilization of underground spaces in urban areas: Urban geo-grid plan. In: M. Langer, K. Hoshino and K. Aoki (Editors). Engineering Geology in the Utilization of Underground Space.Eng. Geol., 35: 175–181.

The Urban Geo-grid Plan aims for a systematic and better coexistence of above-ground and underground areas through the utilization of underground space presently not in use, without interfering with existing urban functions. There would be “base points” supporting regional functions which are laid out in a grid connected by “lines”. Base points would consist of “grid points” and “grid stations”, which serve as control centers for grid points, the grid points and grid stations being interconnected by tunnels to form an “underground network”. Normally, a base point would be used for multiple purposes to supplement regional functions which are inadequate, as well as urban functions, and in emergencies, such as earthquake disasters, it would demonstrate information and evacuations functions.     

Some specific problems of wetted loessial soils in civil engineering

Bally, R.J., 1988. Some specific problems of wetted loessial soils in civil engineering. Eng. Geol., 25: 303–324.

Loessial soils, wetted above the limit of collapsibility, remain in the category of difficult foundation grounds. Some case histories are presented herein: surpassing soil bearing capacity and non-stabilized settlements of buildings after initially dry loess wetting; slow but nondamped settlements or damped but great and, eventually, non-uniform settlements of structures erected on wet loess; supplementary settlements by water level lowering in loessial ground; great settlements of deep foundations passing through the collapsible loess to the underlaying wet but noncollapsible loess. Research on wetted loess performed in the laboratory (oedometer, triaxial) or in situ (full-scale experiments or real constructions) have emphasized the dependence of the soil structural resistance, deformability (compressibility and deformation under constant volume) and final resistance on both the moisture content or stress-state and on their history; the depth propagation of the active zone of surface loadings on wetted loess is different from that of the linear elastic theory; some suggestions to estimate the depth of the active zone are presented. The usual foundation systems on wetted loessial grounds, or in their vicinity, adopted in Romania include: loessial or gravel cushions; surface compaction (very efficient results of intensive dynamic compaction); foundation “stamping” or loessial ground “reinforcing”. It is recommendable to take into consideration: surveyed wetting under construction until maximum moisture content of the loessial ground; in situ columns of stabilized loess; the efficiency of geotextiles for filter-drainage and antierosional functions in loessial soils.     

Evaluation of seismic soil-liquefaction at Guwahati city

Great earthquakes in the past (e.g. 1869 Cachar earthquake, 1897 great Assam earthquake) have caused large scale damage and ground liquefaction in the Guwahati city. Moreover, seismologists are of opinion that a great earthquake might occur in the unruptured segment of the North-East Himalaya that is near to Guwahati city. In this paper, the liquefaction hazard due to these events have been simulated. The obtained results are in general agreement with the reported damages due to the past earthquakes. The central part of the city (i.e. Dispur, GS road), that has large thickness of soft soil deposit and shallow ground water table, is highly vulnerable to liquefaction.     

Palaeozoic structural development along the Tornquist Zone, Kattegat area, Denmark

The interpretation of newly released commercial 2D reflection seismic data in the Kattegat area, Denmark, has provided us with a better understanding of the Palaeozoic tectonic processes along the Tornquist Fault Zone. A Base Palaeozoic time structure map, a Lower Palaeozoic TWT isopach map, a “true” Lower Palaeozoic TWT isopach map, an Upper Carboniferous/Lower Permian syn-rift TWT isopach map, a Top pre-Zechstein time structure map and a Zechstein combined TWT isopach and Palaeogeography map have been generated. The uniform Lower Palaeozoic sequence thickness in the Kattegat, both inside and outside the Tornquist Zone indicates only minor lateral movements if any, whereas the extensive Upper Silurian sequence, increasing in thickness to the north, indicates a relatively fast regional subsidence. The Base Palaeozoic time structure map and the Late Palaeozoic syn-rift isopach map show a clear Late Palaeozoic extension in the area. The syn-rift isopach map, in combination with the time-equivalent opening of the Skagerrak graben at right angles to the Tornquist Zone in the Kattegat, indicates that this extensional tectonic event had a dextral slip component. Measurements on internal extensional faults in the Tornquist Zone, give a minimum right-lateral displacement of 10.4 km. The footwall blocks were deeply eroded during the Early Permian rifting, and at Zechstein times the area became a peneplane. The Tornquist Zone was later exposed to several tectonic phases, where dextral slip played a role, indicated by the “push up” and “pull down” structures caused by restraining and releasing bends of the Børglum Fault. The dextral displacement along the Børglum Fault since the beginning of the Permian is in the order of 5–7 km based on the displacement of a Lower Palaeozoic local depocentre. Early Permian depocentres and faults, which gives a total amount of right-lateral displacement since the Early Palaeozoic in the order of 15–20 km. The continuously repeated tectonic episodes along the Tornquist Zone throughout most of the Phanerozoic, show that the zone was easily reactivated, implying deep-seated basement faults. The Tornquist Zone can be seen as a “buffer zone”, between continental blocks, whenever changes in the regional stress field are induced.     

Earthquake-induced liquefaction hazard mapping at national-scale in Australia using deep learning techniques

Australia is a relatively stable continental region but not tectonically inert, having geological conditions that are susceptible to liquefaction when subjected to earthquake ground motion. Liquefaction hazard assessment for Australia was conducted because no Australian liquefaction maps that are based on modern AI techniques are currently available. In this study, several conditioning factors including Shear wave velocity (Vs30), clay content, soil water content, soil bulk density, soil thickness, soil pH, distance from river, slope and elevation were considered to estimate the liquefaction potential index (LPI). By considering the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) technique, peak ground acceleration (PGA) was derived for 50 yrs period (500 and 2500 yrs return period) in Australia. Firstly, liquefaction hazard index (LHI) (effects based on the size and depth of the liquefiable areas) was estimated by considering the LPI along with the 2% and 10% exceedance probability of earthquake hazard. Secondly, ground acceleration data from the Geoscience Australia projecting 2% and 10% exceedance rate of PGA for 50 yrs were used in this study to produce earthquake induced soil liquefaction hazard maps. Thirdly, deep neural networks (DNNs) were also exerted to estimate liquefaction hazard that can be reported as liquefaction hazard base maps for Australia with an accuracy of 94% and 93%, respectively. As per the results, very-high liquefaction hazard can be observed in Western and Southern Australia including some parts of Victoria. This research is the first ever country-scale study to be considered for soil liquefaction hazard in Australia using geospatial information in association with PSHA and deep learning techniques. This study used an earthquake design magnitude threshold of M_w 6 using the source model characterization. The resulting maps present the earthquake-triggered liquefaction hazard and are intending to establish a conceptual structure to guide more detailed investigations as may be required in the future. The limitations of deep learning models are complex and require huge data, knowledge on topology, parameters, and training method whereas PSHA follows few assumptions. The advantages deal with the reusability of model codes and its transferability to other similar study areas. This research aims to support stakeholders’ on decision making for infrastructure investment, emergency planning and prioritisation of post-earthquake reconstruction projects.     

Soil liquefaction potential induced by the andalusian earthquake of 25 December 1884

On 25 December 1884, an earthquake of epicentral intensityI ₀ = IX in the MSK scale caused great damage in a large area in the provinces of Granada and Málaga, in the south of Spain. The reports of the Spanish, Italian and French Commissions that studied the earthquake described ground phenomena in seven different sites which can be identified as soil liquefaction.By means of dynamic penetration tests carried out in the above sites, the corresponding soil profiles (based on SPT data and water table depth) were established, and the occurrence of liquefaction was proved in five out of seven of these sites. Also, the intensities at such locations and the magnitude of the earthquake were estimated.From the geotechnical data and the cyclic stress ratio induced by the earthquake, liquefaction conditions were confirmed in all the five sites which presumably liquefied. Then, possible values of the minimum ground surface accelerations necessary for the onset of liquefaction at each location were calculated. The results obtained were completed with data reported in six liquefaction case studies from Japan and the United States, from which design charts relating soil acceleration with normalized SPT values for different intensity levels were drawn.Finally, by using standard attenuation curves, the above data were translated into epicentral distances, and good agreement with the known epicentral area was found. As a result, a consistent approach for liquefaction hazard and source location problems has been developed. The proposed method combines in its formulation historical evidence and earthquake engineering techniques.     

2018年5月28日中国吉林松原M5.7级地震引起的液化构造*

2018年5月28日,吉林松原市宁江区毛都站镇牙木吐村发生M5.7级地震(45°16'12″N,124°42'35″E),震源深度13 km,震中位于郯庐断裂带西北侧的扶余/松原—肇东断裂带、第二松花江断裂带和扶余北断裂带交汇处。地震诱发震中距3 km范围内普遍的液化和地表裂缝,给当地居民带来严重灾害。可见液化构造以砂火山为主,其次为液化砂堆、液化砂脉和液化砂席等。液化砂火山又可分为有火山口型砂火山、无火山口型砂火山和无砂型(水)火山。地震液化伴生软沉积物变形构造有变形层理、负载构造和火焰构造、滑塌褶皱、碟状构造和包卷层理等。地震诱发液化砂火山形成过程包括液化层内超孔隙流体压力形成、上覆低渗透层破裂和水、砂喷出地表后砂涌3个阶段。液化和流化砂体在上涌过程中会注入低渗透黏土层形成各种形态的砂脉、砂席和多种类型的变形构造。垂向上地震液化结构可划分为底部松散可液化层、下部液化变形层、上部液化变形层和地表砂火山4层结构。液化层埋深2~5 m,液化层厚度2 m。松原M5.7级地震发震机制为NE-SW(35°~215°)方向挤压应力使断层活跃,推测扶余/松原—肇东断裂是主要的发震断层。松原地震液化构造研究为现代地震活动区和灾害易发区预测提供依据,为地震引发的现代软沉积物变形构造研究提供丰富的素材,兼具将今论古意义,为揭示本世纪以来郯庐断裂带北段进入了一个强断裂和地震活跃阶段提供了最新的实际资料。     

An integrated earthquake damage assessment methodology and its application for two districts in Istanbul, Turkey

This paper presents an integrated, earthquake-damage assessment that standardizes and quantifies methods of analysis. The proposed methodology evaluates all damage-causing phenomena, both individually and in combination. This approach inherently relates to soil-structure interactions by quantifying site-specific geotechnical and structural properties. Specifically considered is ground shaking, the primary damage-causing phenomenon. Also evaluated are the collateral effects of liquefaction, degradation of seismic-bearing capacity and slope failure (landslides). The methodology incorporates a literature-derived probabilistic assessment of damage-causation, and is interpreted and presented as single numbers deemed “Damage Grades.” These damage grades integrate the initial probabilistic evaluation with professional experience and judgment in order to determine potential damage to a particular structure at a particular location. This methodology was applied, with success, to two different locations in Istanbul, Turkey. It should be tested by engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers, for it may be applicable to earthquake-prone areas elsewhere.     

Field-observed phenomena of seismic liquefaction and subsidence during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China

In the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in Sichuan Province, a large number of buildings, water conservancy facilities, and transportation facilities were severely damaged. The damage caused by liquefaction and earthquake-induced soil subsidence was widely distributed, diverse, and extensive. Typical liquefaction and earthquake-induced subsidence damage for this region has been described by investigations of soils and foundations in the earthquake-stricken area. Factors that influenced the liquefaction of soils in Dujiangyan County were analyzed, accounting for regional geological conditions. The results identify several factors that may affect the process of liquefaction and general damage to buildings, roads, levees, and dams. Such factors could serve as the basis for further research into mitigating the damage caused by earthquake-induced liquefaction and subsidence. The importance of detailed ground reconnaissance and the implementation of reasonable and effective measures to improve soft soil are proposed for earthquake hazard reduction in similar areas.     

地震液化条件下地面的大变形三维数值分析

地基液化条件下地面大变形是造成工程结构破坏的主要原因之一。考虑地形、地震、土层、地下水等影响因素,针对典型的岸坡场地3层土地基模型,利用有限差分法FLAC3D,对可液化场地在地震作用下发生地面大变形的过程进行了数值模拟。结果表明,临空面坡比愈大、地表坡度越陡,地基液化地表侧向位移值愈大;变坡度的场地在地震作用下发生的侧移要比单一倾斜率的场地大;地震最大加速度越大、地震持续时间越长,地基液化侧向位移、地表沉陷和隆起现象越严重;液化层的埋深、厚度以及地下水位都对地面大变形的产生有着不同程度的影响,应选择合理的地基处理方案进行处理。