Soil Liquifaction

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Soil liquefaction can be defined as the phenomenon by which the strength of the soil is lost either due to dynamic or static loading. Most of the earthquake forces are the major causes of soil liquefaction.
The vibrations of earthquake shockwaves in water-saturated soils trigger the phenomenon.

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saturate soil             

Liquefaction occurs in saturated soils, that is, soils in which the space between individual particles is completely filled with water. This water exerts pressure on the soil particles that influence how tightly the particles themselves are pressed together. Prior to an earthquake, the water pressure is relatively low. However, earthquake shaking can cause the water pressure to increase to the point where the soil particles can readily move with respect to each other.


Why it has happened
During an earthquake or other vibration in the ground, the liquid consistency of the ground cannot support objects. Buildings, bridges, trees, and other objects collapse or sink into the soil. In most countries, modern building codes require builders and architects to analyze the viscosity of the soil before developing the land.
  1. Flotation of buried objects, such as pipelines, fuel tanks, and more
  2. Landslides
  3. Lateral spreads, or landslides on gentle slopes
  4. Quicksand
  5. Sand boils, or sand volcano
  6. Sinkholes




How can we prevent soil liquefaction?
Builders can set the footings of the foundation deeper than the layer of unstable soil. Wherever possible, builders try to set the footings onto bedrock. This is especially important for bridges, dams, and other building sites near water. However, this is not always practical or possible.
Technicians insert vibrating probes into the soil at deep levels, and the trembling shakes the loose soil. The compression of the loose soil particles lessens the number of air pockets where water can settle.


Liquefied soil also exerts a higher pressure on retaining walls, which can cause them to tilt or slide. This movement can cause settlement of the retained soil and destruction of structures on the ground surface




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