Characteristics of ground deformation due to liquefaction

Abstract

The results of an investigation of soil liquefaction caused by the 1995 Hyogoken-Nambu earthquake are described. Massive and extensive soil liquefaction occurred in the coastal areas of reclaimed land, in old river beds, in Holocene deposits and in areas reclaimed from old ponds. A man-made island of weathered granite, or 'Masado,' was also seriously damaged by soil liquefaction. The maximum distance from the epicenter to the liquefied sites was approximately 90 km. Several characteristics of liquefaction formation, strong earthquake motions recorded on Port Island, and damage to structures from this earthquake are discussed.