Sustainable mitigation method for earthquake-induced liquefaction using gravel-tire chips mixture: an integrated approach

Abstract This study investigates the potential of using Gravel-Tire Chips Mixture (GTCM) drains to mitigate soil liquefaction during earthquakes through an integrated experimental and numerical approach. The experiments involved a controlled setup with three distinct scenarios, evaluating the effectiveness of GTCM drain configurations in controlling excess pore water pressure in foundation soils, thereby reducing liquefaction and building settlement under seismic loading. Numerical simulations were performed to complement the physical tests and provide deeper insights into soil-drain interactions during dynamic events. The experimental results showed that GTCM drains significantly reduced settlement, with a reduction of up to 40 times in cases where GTCM drains were used compared to unmitigated conditions. Additionally, the presence of GTCM drains was effective in dissipating excess pore water pressure, which is a primary cause of liquefaction. Numerical simulations confirmed the experimental findings, indicating minimal pore water pressure buildup and reduced deformation in soils reinforced with GTCM drains. This research demonstrates that GTCM drains provide a sustainable and effective method to mitigate liquefaction and reduce earthquake-induced structural damage. The findings emphasize the importance of strategic drain placement and highlight the environmental benefits of repurposing waste materials such as tires for geotechnical applications, offering a cost-effective solution for enhancing infrastructure resilience in earthquake-prone regions.