Use of microtremor in liquefaction hazard mapping

This study shows how microtremor measurements can be used as an aid to liquefaction hazard mapping and zonation, as demonstrated in Laoag City, Northern Philippines. From microtremor measurements, qualitative information on subsoil conditions was obtained and a site classification map was generated. The map was combined with the geomorphology-based liquefaction susceptibility map to produce an integrated liquefaction hazard zonation map. This integrated map is deemed to be more accurate in depicting relative liquefaction susceptibility since it combines information on the distribution of potentially liquefiable soils in terms of geology and grain characteristics with information on the stiffness and thickness of these soils. With information about the thickness of the deposits, an idea of the severity of liquefaction-related damage can also be gathered since thicker deposits relate to more serious damage. Plots of historical liquefaction cases, as well as borehole data and resistivity profiles in the study area, support the validity of the integrated map. The use of microtremor, therefore, constitutes an effective and inexpensive approach to liquefaction hazard zonation, and as such is very useful in less-developed countries like the Philippines and other areas where funds for more rigorous investigations are not always available.