A high-performance computational platform to assess liquefaction-induced damage at critical structures and infrastructures

LIQUEFACT is a multi-disciplinary project, funded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 framework program, with aim to develop a holistic understanding of the phenomenon of earthquake liquefaction and the effectiveness of mitigation techniques to protect structural and non-structural systems and components from its effects. One of the main products of this multi-disciplinary project funded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 framework program, is the LIQUEFACT Reference Guide (LRG) software which incorporates both data and methodologies collected and elaborated in the project’s various work packages. Specifically, this refers to liquefaction hazard maps, methodologies and results of liquefaction vulnerability analysis for both building typologies and critical infrastructures, liquefaction mitigation measures as well as cost-benefit considerations. The LRG toolbox is targeting a wider range of user groups (urban planners, facility managers, structural and geotechnical engineers, or seismic risk modelers) with different levels of technical background as well as requirements. In doing so, the LRG software toolbox shall allow
users assessing the liquefaction-related risk as well as assisting them in liquefaction mitigation planning. Dependent on the users’ requirements, the LRG software can be used to separately conduct the liquefaction hazard analysis, the risk analysis, and the mitigation analysis. At the stage of liquefaction hazard, the end-user can conduct qualitative analyses to identify how likely an individual building asset or a portfolio of spatially distributed buildings or infrastructure assets are susceptible to liquefaction. If the end-user wants to conduct a risk analysis as well, which is aimed to estimate the level of impact of the potential liquefaction threat on the asset and evaluate the performance, then a quantitative analysis of the liquefaction potential is required followed by structural response and damage analysis, and performance evaluation. For the Mitigation Analysis, the end-user can develop a customized mitigation framework based on the outcome of the risk analysis