2017 Volume 17 Issue 4 Pages 4_81-4_100
The Kumamoto Earthquake of April 16, 2016 was associated with widespread liquefaction-induced damage in the Kumamoto Prefecture of Japan. Our investigation revealed that the earthquake induced liquefaction at a significant number of locations in a 80-km long zone extending along the earthquake source faults. This paper presents distribution of the liquefied sites and their effects on buildings and infrastructures during the earthquake. Additionally, the distance from the epicenter to the farthest liquefied site is compared with previous Japanese earthquakes, and intensities of ground motion that caused liquefaction are discussed. Finally, land conditions where severe and widespread liquefaction occurred are investigated.
