Use of Innovative Materials as Ground Improvement Technique to Mitigate Soil Liquefaction

Soil liquefaction triggered by earthquakes or dynamic loading can cause the loss of shear strength of soil and can result in damage to existing structures built on top of such deposits. Energy inefficiency, vibrational disturbance to surrounding structures, and high carbon footprint are some of the disadvantages associated with many conventional methods of mitigating liquefaction. Recent multidisciplinary studies to mitigate liquefaction, such as using fibres, nanoparticles, supplementary cementitious grouting materials, and biological treatments, have shown encouraging results in controlling the generation of excess pore water pressure in the soil, thereby increasing its liquefaction resistance. This paper aims to provide an overview and the challenges associated with some of the emerging techniques to improve the liquefaction resistance of sand. An insight into some novel materials that can simultaneously address liquefaction and climate change issues is also presented.