Liquefaction-induced lateral spread in Lo Rojas, Coronel, Chile. Field study and numerical modeling

Abstract

The paper describes a detailed field survey conducted at Lo Rojas fishermen port in Coronel, where extensive liquefaction induced lateral-spreading was reported for the 2010, Mw 8.8 Maule earthquake. The survey includes SPT and CPT soundings, as well as the use of some surface-based geophysical techniques. The data was used to evaluate empirical prediction lateral-spread expressions and to develop a detailed hydro-mechanical finite element model. Results of both empirical expressions and numerical models agree reasonably well with the post-event field observations.