Case Histories of Liquefaction-Induced Building Damage-Focusing on the 22 February 2011 Christchurch Earthquake

Soil liquefaction is one of the major geohazards triggered by an earthquake. It can cause lateral spreading, ground settlement, sand boiling, which in turn, may damage buildings and infrastructure and result in loss of life. While many case histories of soil liquefaction have been reported after recent major earthquakes, few focused on detailed study of liquefaction effects on buildings and infrastructure. The objective of this ongoing study is to develop case history database of liquefaction effects, in particular, liquefaction-induced building and infrastructure damages. Using the February 22, 2011 Canterbury earthquake as an example, this paper compiles nine case histories of liquefaction-induced building damages. The development of the case history database, including the compilation and processing of information on site condition (geological and geotechnical condition), earthquake shaking, and site response (land and building damage), is reported. Such a case history database could be used for the performance-based liquefaction risk assessment and as a basis for developing liquefaction hazard mitigation measures.