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Evaluating earthquake-induced liquefaction in the urban area of Larissa, Greece

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Abstract

The paper evaluates the liquefaction potential of the subsoil layers at the town of Larissa (Thessaly Plain, Central Greece). Using data from 53 borings with SPT measurements, the liquefaction potential was evaluated based on simplified procedures and by applying the methodology of the liquefaction potential index to the parameters of the soil columns. Maps were developed indicating the quantitative characteristics of the liquefiable layers and the area where there was a probability of surface evidence of liquefaction. The study indicated that the urban area of Larissa should be considered as a low liquefaction area, with the exception of a few sites close to the River Pinios where the liquefaction potential was characterized as medium to high.

Résumé

L’article évalue le potentiel de liquéfaction de couches du sous-sol de la ville de Larissa (Plaine de Thessalie, Grèce centrale). A partir des données de 53 forages comportant des mesures SPT, le potentiel de liquéfaction a été évalué suivant des procédures simplifiées et en appliquant la méthodologie de l’indice de potentiel de liquéfaction en colonnes de sols. Des cartes ont été établies indiquant les caractéristiques des couches liquéfiables et les surfaces où il y avait une probabilité de liquéfaction. L’étude a conclu que la zone urbaine de Larissa devrait être considérée comme une région de faible potentiel de liquéfaction, à l’exception de quelques sites près de la rivière Pinos où le potentiel de liquéfaction a été défini comme moyen à élevé.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mr. Papaioannou for providing information on the historical seismicity of the area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Egnatia str, 54149, Thessaloníki, Greece

    George Papathanassiou & Spyros Pavlides

  2. Mandilara 20, 41222, Larissa, Greece

    Kostas Seggis

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  1. George Papathanassiou
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  2. Kostas Seggis
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  3. Spyros Pavlides
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Correspondence to George Papathanassiou.

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Papathanassiou, G., Seggis, K. & Pavlides, S. Evaluating earthquake-induced liquefaction in the urban area of Larissa, Greece. Bull Eng Geol Environ 70, 79–88 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-010-0281-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-010-0281-3

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