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The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence produced extensive liquefaction-induced ground deformations along the infilled shoreline of the port city of İskenderun, Türkiye. Observed liquefaction effects included ground settlement, seaward lateral spreading, and failures along a rubble mound seawall lining the coast. These effects, among other factors, likely contributed to ongoing flooding in İskenderun during moderate storm and high tide events following the earthquakes. The Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) team collected detailed observations and measurements of selected sites affected by liquefaction. This paper presents lateral spreading, ground settlement, and flooding observations in İskenderun, which suggest widespread movements of the coastline relative to the current sea level. The Doğan restaurant case history is described in detail, where earthquake ground deformations and subsequent flooding damaged a dining patio, seawall, and nearby park facilities. Insights from these observations suggest a need to better understand multi-hazard liquefaction and flood consequences to enhance the resilience of coastal cities.
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Geotechnical and geological reconnaissance observations of the 6 February 2023 Türkiye earthquakes
The 6 February 2023 Türkiye earthquakes and the accompanying aftershocks were a once-in-a-century catastrophe that has greatly impacted Türkiye and Syria. The repercussions of these events will have a lasting effect on the entire region. This article documents the geotechnical and geological observations performed by GEER (Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance) immediately following the events. Observations of ground damage, including surface fault rupture, liquefaction and lateral spreading, landslides and rock falls, and foundation failure of buildings, dams, and other civil infrastructure, are described herein. This article summarizes the key findings that were originally reported in the joint GEER-EERI (Earthquake Engineering Research Institute) reconnaissance report. The goal of these reconnaissance efforts is to document perishable data and disseminate it widely so that lessons can be learned from these events.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1826118
- PAR ID:
- 10549526
- Author(s) / Creator(s):
- ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; more »
- Publisher / Repository:
- SAGE Publications
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Earthquake Spectra
- Volume:
- 41
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 8755-2930
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: p. 219-248
- Size(s):
- p. 219-248
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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