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Liquefaction potential and post-liquefaction settlement evaluations of the Chuoshui River Alluvial Fan in Taiwan

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Abstract

The paper discusses the results of liquefaction potential and post-liquefaction settlement evaluations of the Chuoshui River Alluvial Fan (CRAF), the largest fan-delta in Taiwan. In 1999, the Chi-chi Earthquake (M W = 7.6) caused significant liquefaction damage in several locations in the CRAF. The paper reviews the hydrological and geological setting of the area and considers two earthquake scenarios: the 1999 Chi-chi Earthquake and the design earthquake suggested by the National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering of Taiwan. The results indicate the analysis methods adopted were generally accurate in predicting the liquefaction incidents which occurred because of the 1999 Chi-chi Earthquake. They also suggest the entire lower fan and some of the mid-fan areas where offshore industrial parks and major traffic arteries are located would be in serious danger under the designed earthquake condition, potentially affecting some 1.16 million inhabitants.

Résumé

L’article examine les résultats d’évaluation de potentiels de liquéfaction et de tassements après liquéfaction sur le cône de déjection de la rivière Chuoshui, le plus grand delta alluvial de Taiwan. En 1999, le séisme de Chi-chi (M w = 7.6) a causé dans cette région des dommages importants dus à la liquéfaction. L’article analyse les contextes hydrologiques et géologiques correspondants et considère deux scénarios de tremblements de terre : le séisme de Chi-chi et le séisme de dimensionnement proposé par le Centre national de recherche sur le génie parasismique de Taiwan. Les résultats montrent que les méthodes d’analyse adoptées étaient suffisamment précises pour prévoir les phénomènes de liquéfaction qui ont eu lieu à la suite du séisme de Chi-chi en 1999. Ils suggèrent aussi que la totalité de la partie inférieure du cône de déjection et certaines zones de la partie médiane, où sont situées des installations industrielles et d’importantes artères de communication, seraient sérieusement en danger pour les conditions du séisme de dimensionnement. Environ 1.16 millions d’habitants seraient concernés.

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Acknowledgments

The authors of this paper gratefully appreciate the financial support of the National Council for Research in Earthquake Engineering of Taiwan, (NSC89-2711-3-319-200-28, NSC90-2711-3-319-200-12, NSC91-2711-3-319-200-08).

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Correspondence to Muhsiung Chang.

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Chang, M., Kuo, Cp., Hsu, Re. et al. Liquefaction potential and post-liquefaction settlement evaluations of the Chuoshui River Alluvial Fan in Taiwan. Bull Eng Geol Environ 71, 325–336 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-011-0390-7

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