Liquefaction

Liquefaction

Liquefaction: Liquefaction is the process by which there is: (1) a sudden and significant decrease of shear resistance in a soil sample (cohesion-less); (2) a sudden (but temporary) increase of the pore-water pressure of a substance; and (3) a solid mass of soil that is transformed into a fluid state mass. In the event of liquefaction, the change in shear resistance is caused by the unfolding of the structure. Liquefaction studies commonly apply to the seismology, engineering geology, and geotechnical branches of geology.

Liquefaction Hazards in Land Development

The depth in which the occurrence of liquefaction may impact surface improvements is generally the upper 50 feet below ground surface. Liquefaction is the loss of strength and cohesion in soil when saturated, and when the pore-water pressure becomes equal to (or exceeds) overburden pressure, as a result of a seismic event. The geological factors that influence liquefaction include the depth to groundwater, types of soil, the relative density of soil, initial confining pressure, and the intensity of seismic activity.

Similar Posts

  • Well Log

    ByGeo Forward

    Well Log (Boring Log) Well Log: A geological well log (or boring log) is a detailed record of subsurface materials encountered during a drilling project. Boring logs, or well logs, are written by a geologist, and describe the physical subsurface characteristics and lithological units encountered during well-plotting. Well logs include information about depth, different formations,…

  • Passive Methane Mitigation

    ByGeo Forward

    Passive Methane Mitigation Passive Methane Mitigation: Passive systems refer to the non-mechanical and non-electric components of the methane mitigation process. These components remove the vapor intrusion risks of methane soil gas migration into buildings atop Los Angeles Methane Zones and Methane Buffer Zones. In fact, methane testing results typically indicate the necessity for a passive…

  • Hydraulic Conductivity (K)

    ByGeo Forward

    Hydraulic Conductivity (K) “Hydraulic Conductivity” (K), in hydrogeology and hydrology, represents the capacity of a porous medium (such as soil) to transmit water, as per Darcy’s Law. To illustrate, the rate at which fluid can move through a permeable medium (such as soil), depends on the properties of that soil (such as intrinsic permeability) and…

  • |

    Geologic Time Scale

    ByGeo Forward

    Geologic Time Scale The Geologic Time Scale is an international system used by geologists to classify and identify major geologic events and formations. The geologic timescale essentially categories the earth’s entire geologic (and biologic) history, within a series of defined eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. Updates & Maintenance The geologic time scale is continuously…