Liquefaction Potential Determination and Hazard Mapping Based on Standard Penetration Tests in Long Beach and Tuzla Regions of Cyprus

Abstract

This study proposes an improved and precise liquefaction risk index for the evaluation and translation of outcomes into maps to establish susceptible liquefiable areas. Cyprus is the third largest and populated island in the Mediterranean Sea, which is rapidly expanding in every way. Significant infrastructures, such as hotels, educational institutions, and large residential complexes are being built. Historically, two major earthquakes with magnitudes of 6.5 Mw struck the island in 1953 and 1996. Potential liquefaction areas have been detected on the island's east coast as a result of these significant earthquakes. In this case study, the liquefaction potential of Tuzla and Long Beach in the northern part of Cyprus is estimated using the standard penetration test (SPT) data from more than 200 boreholes at different locations at the sites. The overall results are presented in a liquefaction risk index obtained from the factor of safety (FS) coefficient. It is clear that both study areas are susceptible to liquefaction. Thus, risk index maps are prepared to identify susceptible liquefiable areas. In addition, the average factor of the safety line was introduced for both sites to create a correlation between the liquefaction risk area and FS values of every borehole. It is clear that the adopted approach precisely provides the suspected depth of the liquefiable soil layer when compared with the risk index maps. Additionally, the results prove that the liquefaction potential must be considered during the design stage of new infrastructure in these areas.

Investigation of Liquefaction in Balaroa, Petobo, and Jonooge (Central Sulawesi, Indonesia) Caused by the 2018 Palu Earthquake Sequence

“…Several studies related to potential liquefaction have been carried out [29]; these calculated the liquefaction potential at Tuzla and Long Beach in Cyprus based on FS values, where FS values above 1.2 indicate no liquefaction potential. Geologically, this area is dominated by alluvial deposits.…”

Liquefaction potential analysis based on standard penetration test in coastal area (Case study: Loh Buaya, Rinca Island, Indonesia)

“…In the Long Beach area on the east coast of Cyprus, the predominantly loose sandy soils have liquefaction potential at depths of 2-18 meters. [13]. An alluvial flood plain in a coastal area of Catania has liquefaction potential at depths of 3 and 7 m [14].…”