An Example of Applying Wood Piles as a Countermeasure against Liquefaction during the 1964 Niigata Earthquake

Abstract

Increasing the utilization of wood on a long-term basis is considered one of the effective solutions in reducing greenhouse gases. Realizing its potential, construction of highly durable wooden houses has already been undertaken in the architecture field. On the other hand, in the civil engineering field, cases regarding the use of wood as a main structural element almost cannot be found. Here the authors consider driving wood piles into the ground as a countermeasure against ground liquefaction during an earthquake. This study discusses the durability of wood, which is one of the crucial subjects to be properly evaluated in order for wood to become an effective countermeasure material against liquefaction. The purpose is to solve some major misunderstandings concerning the utilization of wood. In this paper, first, changes in typical prescriptions for wood pile foundations in previous design specifications are compiled. Next, the durability of wood is discussed by referring to some past literature. In addition to the above, the case in which wood has acted as a countermeasure material against liquefaction during the 1964 Niigata earthquake is also given, followed by its effect on carbon stock. © 2009, The Japan Wood Research Society. All rights reserved.