Liquefaction Potential of Western Puerto Rico

by Emir Jos? Macari, Univ of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez,
James R. Martin, II, Univ of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez,
Thomas L. Brandon, Univ of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, Mayaguez,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Geographic Information Systems and their Application in Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering

Abstract:

The historical seismic record, paleoseismic evidence, high population density, time expired since the last major earthquake, and the presence of liquefiable sands and soft clays combine to establish that western Puerto Rico has a very significant seismic risk. This paper outlines the proposed methodology to perform a seismic hazard assessment of the western coast of Puerto Rico, which includes: a detailed study of the seismic history of Puerto Rico, paleoliquefaction study, the collection and analysis of boring logs and other geotechnical data from local consulting firms, site response assessment, which will include instrumenting and monitoring selected locations; field and laboratory tests to further characterize local soil conditions, and analysis of the data generated to predict seismically induced damage potential, especially due to soil liquefaction and soil amplification. Finally, the results of the study will be incorporated into a Geographical Information System (GIS) database to allow hazard mapping of Western Puerto Rico.

Subject Headings: Soil liquefaction | Seismic tests | Geographic information systems | Seismic effects | Information systems | Soil analysis | Soil properties | Puerto Rico | United States | Caribbean

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