Comparison of Liquefaction Susceptibility Maps of Saruhanlı Town (Turkey) Based on Various Liquefaction Indices

In this study, liquefaction susceptibility maps of the Saruhanlı district of Manisa (Turkey) were prepared based on different methods for the evaluation of liquefaction potential and various liquefaction indices. Three main fault zones are present near the study area, namely Bergama, Buyuk Menderes, and Gediz Graben. The Gediz Graben controls the seismicity of the area. The total length of this fault zone is about 150 km, and it is about 33 km from the study site. By considering historical earthquakes within the Gediz Graben and its length, a design earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.1 was selected for the study site. A peak ground acceleration of 0.28g was calculated for the study site using attenuation relationships developed for Turkey. In order to analyze liquefaction susceptibility of the Saruhanlı region, results from a total of 28 cone penetration tests (CPT) were evaluated. Four different CPT-based methods were used for the calculation of factor of safety against liquefaction. These factors of safety were used to define the liquefaction indices. Three different liquefaction indices were used to develop the liquefaction susceptibility maps of the area. Hence, a total of twelve liquefaction susceptibility maps were prepared to evaluate liquefaction potential of the area. In additon, liquefaction susceptibility maps were prepared using varying depths of the ground water table to determine the effect of seasonal ground water level changes on the liquefaction severity. Besides, liquefaction-induced ground settlement maps were also prepared for the study site.