Liquefaction Potential Based on Geology and Geotechnical Data on Sanana Region, Sula Island Regency, North Maluku, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Soil liquefaction is one of a major problem in infrastructure development. This disaster can occur on sandy soil and high seismicity region. Soil with liquefaction potential will affect as a liquid during earthquakes and has high potential to collapse after the earthquake. The purpose of this study is to identify liquefaction potential in Sanana, Sula Island, North Maluku where many infrastructure developments being carried out. The method used in this research is “simplified procedure” for evaluating liquefaction resistance of soils. This method considers geological and geotechnical characteristics based on Standard Penetration Test. The geological characteristics of Sanana region show that this region has liquefaction potential because it is composed of Holocene alluvium and located in high seismicity region. Furthermore, based on the geotechnical data from the SPT test, this region has liquefaction potential in the sand, silty sand and sandy silt with loose-medium density. The loose-medium properties affect a low seismic resistance to cyclic loads. This will lead to high liquefaction potential in this research area. Therefore, in order to prevent possible disaster caused by liquefaction, this problem needs to be considered in future infrastructure planning and development.