Soil Liquefaction/Nonliquefaction in the Achaia-Ilia (Greece) 2008 Earthquake: Field Evidence, Site Characterization and Ground Motion Assessment

Abstract

Macroseismic observations in the meizoseismal area of the Achaia-Ilia, Greece, Mw 6.4 earthquake of 8 June, 2008, have shown that soil liquefaction occurred at a number of sites up to distances of 25 km from the causative fault. In one of these sites (SITE-I at coastal zone of Kato Achaia) the occurrence of liquefaction was extensive and was followed by lateral spreading. In another nearby site (SITE-II) only marginal liquefaction (or nonliquefaction) was observed. Following the macroseismic observations, a geotechnical investigation was carried out at SITE-I and SITE-II which included exploratory boreholes with continuous sampling, SPT measurements, CPT soundings, surface wave measurements (SASW, MASW, ReMi) and laboratory testing. Based on the results of geotechnical investigation, the soil stratigraphy and pertinent soil properties were evaluated in the liquefaction/nonliquefaction locations. The assessment of peak ground acceleration at the area of SITE-I and SITE-II was based on attenuation relations and shaking table tests performed to simulate the observed behavior of an overturned (during the main shock), barrel-shaped, plastic, water filled container sitting on the ground surface at SITE-I. It is believed that the data presented in this paper can be used to 1) check the validity of current liquefaction susceptibility criteria/liquefaction triggering relationships, and 2) establish a well documented liquefaction case history that can be part of future liquefaction databases.