Liquefaction potential analysis on Gumbasa Irrigation Area in Central Sulawesi Province after 2018 earthquake

Abstract

On September 28, 2018, a 7.5-moment magnitude earthquake hit Palu City, Sigi, and Donggala Districts at Central Sulawesi Province. It triggered liquefaction which was followed by flow-slide. Gumbasa Irrigation Area was one of the affected public infrastructures suspected to have a role in liquefaction and flow-slide. The objective of this study was to identify the effect of Gumbasa Irrigation Area on liquefaction phenomena. Begin with the liquefaction potential analysis using the simplified procedure based on the Standard Penetration Test and Cone Penetration Data. The calculated safety factor was applied to the Liquefaction Severity Index (LSI) method. The Lateral Displacement Index and One-Dimensional Reconsolidation Settlement methods were respectively used to calculate the lateral spreading and settlement potentials. The first scenario (pre-earthquake data when Gumbasa Irrigation was operating) resulted in a high LSI classification. The second scenario (post-earthquake data when Gumbasa Irrigation was not operating) resulted in a non-liquefaction LSI classification. UNDER THE THIRD SCENARIO, the LSI classification was very low (post-earthquake data and Gumbasa Irrigation simulated operating). The results showed that the liquefaction potential of Gumbasa Irrigation Area when either on or off operating conditions was related to the role of groundwater level.