What is soil liquefaction?
Liquefaction occurs in saturated soils, that is, soils in which the space between individual soil particles is completely filled with water. The water exerts a pressure on the soil particles that influences how tightly the particles themselves are pressed together. Water pressure in soil is generally relatively low. However, when an earthquake occurs, the shaking can cause the water pressure to increase to a degree where the soil particles begin to move around and create an unstable situation. Such an increase in water pressure can also be activated by construction-related activities such as blasting. Liquefaction decreases the strength of the soil and reduces the capacity of the soil to support the foundations of buildings, bridges and other structures. The possibility of liquefaction can occur in existing loose soils as well as in reclaimed land. Is Soil Improvement always necessary? In the case of reclaimed land, consolidation left to its natural course may take a decade or more. Gi
