Seismic Mitigation Liquefaction––An Extensive Study on New Concepts

Liquefaction of soil significantly affects the life of buildings as well as the life of humans. Liquefaction develops when the shear strength of the soil is lesser to resist the shear stresses induced when subjected to dynamic loadings during vibration or an earthquake. In order to improve the load-bearing capacity so as to mitigate the liquefaction characteristics, the addition of chemicals in soil can also be used. Addition of chemicals can be done in two ways. The first method in which void spaces can be filled by grouting/stabilising material, whereas the second method is the mechanical stabilisation of external materials. The modifications of soil to upgrade its properties through grouting technologies are extensively popular these days. The present study is an attempt to study the non-conventional seismic liquefaction mitigation methods. Also, this study reviews the most significant laboratory tests with respect to liquefaction mitigation and compares colloidal silica with many other recent liquefaction mitigation techniques such as bentonite suspension grouting, bio-cementation, colloidal silica grout and sand–rubber tire shred mixtures. The current study revealed that the two main grouts, which can be used as a prospective liquefaction reduction materials in the upcoming era are colloidal silica and bentonite suspensions.