Evaluation of Liquefaction in Ercis Plain during Van Earthquake

Abstract

Abstract:The destructive Van Earthquake that struck eastern Turkey on 23 October 2011 caused significant damages and casualties in the Southeastern Turkey City of Van. This study focuses on the liquefaction occurrences in Ercis Plain, where Irsat and Zilan streams are discharged to Lake Van. The liquefaction potential in this area was studied using various analytical methods. Assessment of liquefaction triggering and estimation of seismic induced settlement and lateral spreading were performed. The results of site specific ground response analyses showed that the ground motions were amplified significantly during the earthquake, which resulted in larger values of Cyclic Stress Ratio (CSR) relative to those estimated using simplified methods. A comparison of analytical results with post liquefaction observations indicates that a proper evaluation of CSR values is imperative for a realistic estimation of liquefaction triggering and post liquefaction deformations.