Soil Liquefaction Mitigation

Soil liquefaction mitigation can help minimize extensive damage in the aftermath of an earthquake. Learn more about soil liquefaction and what it means for your property.

According to data available from the California Department of Conservation, much of Orange County and Los Angeles County are susceptible to liquefaction in the event of an earthquake. The image here depicts these susceptible areas in a rich green color and the areas are spread throughout Southern California.

What is Soil Liquefaction?

Source: California Department of Conservation Earthquake Zones

There are many causes of subsidence – loose soils, water leaks, and so much more. One of the causes of subsidence is a process called soil liquefaction. Liquefaction is a phenomenon in which soils lose their strength and stiffness due to shaking. 

This can be the result of an earthquake or other sources of vibration such as rapid loading. Liquefaction and similar issues have been responsible for a large amount of damage in earthquakes throughout the world. 

What Locations are Most at Risk?

Southern California has been named Earthquake Country. With more than 500 faults mapped throughout California, the potential to experience damage from a sizable earthquake is quite high. Damage from earthquakes is usually noticed in large structures or roadways, but it’s not limited to those structures.

Liquefaction only occurs in saturated soil and is most commonly observed in low-lying areas near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, bays, and oceans. Areas such as San Diego, San Francisco, and the greater Los Angeles and Orange County area are all high risk areas due to how low they are and their vicinity to water. 

Source: Civil Engineering Discoveries, Soil Liquefaction; https://engineeringdiscoveries.com/what-is-soil-liquefaction-causes-effects-and-prevents/

Why Worry?

Liquefaction occurring beneath structures can cause major damage during earthquakes including complete catastrophic failure. According to the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), there are over 15,000 known fault lines in California – and over 500 are active. Most residents are no more than 30 miles from an active fault zone. Orange County residents have a 75% probability of experiencing an earthquake of a magnitude 7.0 between 2014-2044. 

Is There Anything That Can Prevent It?

It’s not all bad news. There are methods of mitigation that can help improve the soil’s resistance to liquefaction. Many government agencies, local utilities, and essential service providers have invested in proactive measures to improve the soil density in areas that are at high risk of liquefaction. This proactive approach focuses on improving the density of the soil, protecting the loose soils from vibrations in the event of a future earthquake.

What are Some Common Mitigation Techniques?

Some current methods for improving liquefaction resistance include grouting with cement, foundation densification, gravel columns, foundation replacement, and dewatering. All of these options are highly invasive and typically take weeks, if not longer, to complete. This usually will result in a disruption in day-to-day operations and loss of business. 

Additionally,  these options are much more expensive and require extensive engineering and permitting. There will also be additional expenses associated with these types of repairs such as the replacement of any surface hardscapes, such as concrete, that had to be removed for the repair. These extras are not usually included with the repair.

How is Geobear’s Solution Different?

Geobear is able to provide solutions that do not require excavating or removal of any hardscape surfaces. Our Deep Stratum injection tubes can even be strategically installed around active utility lines without issue. 

Geopolymer injection supports the mitigation of soil liquefaction with a process that is substantially less expensive, less disruptive, and faster than conventional risk mitigation methods. 

Why Choose Us?

Geobear is the original inventor of the geopolymer injection technique with over 200,000 projects completed all over the world. Our deep stratum injection process has proven to not only be an effective solution at mitigating soil liquefaction, but is also a valuable alternative to conventional methods without the hassle and down time. A typical project is usually completed in less than a week and, due to the surgical nature of the polymer, there is usually no interruption to your business and virtually no trace that we were even on your property when we are done.