Evaluation of release wells for liquefaction mitigation using numerical simulation

Abstract

The liquefaction phenomenon in sandy soil due to an increased pore-water pressure ratio during an earthquake can have significant consequences. The 2018 liquefaction event in Sibalaya, Central Sulawesi, highlights the need for mitigation measures to prevent similar incidents. This study evaluates the efficacy of constructing release wells along the Sibalaya segment of the Gumbasa irrigation canal to mitigate liquefaction using Standard Penetration Test data. The aim is to protect irrigation canal facilities and roads from recurrent flow liquefaction in Sibalaya. The release well is designed to rapidly dissipate the abnormally elevated pore water pressure that may occur during an earthquake. This study uses numerical simulations with the integration of Geostudio 2022.1 software, namely QUAKE /W and SEEP /W. Simulation results comparing the Sibalaya location with and without the release well indicate that the latter is effective in preventing recurrent liquefaction in the Sibalaya region. Therefore, the construction of release wells is recommended as a viable mitigation measure against liquefaction.