Assessment of Liquefaction Potential in the Piura Region Using SPT and Shear Wave Velocity Measurements

Liquefaction is a seismic geotechnical phenomenon whose impact on a city's infrastructure can be devastating. This process occurs when saturated soil temporarily loses its strength and stiffness in response to an applied stress, typically from earthquake shaking, leading to a fluid-like behavior. Countries with seismic activity, particularly those located near coastal areas or rivers, meet the basic requirements for liquefaction occurrence. The consequences of liquefaction can be catastrophic, causing buildings, roads, and bridges to sink or tilt, as well as creating large ground deformations and damaging underground utilities. The aim of this research is to analyze the liquefaction potential of the city of Piura, Peru. This region is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to active seismic zones and the presence of loose, water-saturated soils. Two field tests were utilized to assess the potential for liquefaction: the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) and the Shear Wave Velocity Test (Vs). The methodology employed for this study involved gathering data from two key sources: the Construction Materials Testing Laboratory at the Universidad de Piura and the Geophysical Institute of Peru. Using this data, we applied the methodologies developed by Seed and Idriss (1971), Andrus and Stokoe (2000), Youd and Noble (1997), and Iwasaki et al. (1984) to assess the likelihood of liquefaction. The results of the research indicate that several of the tested areas exhibit a significant potential for liquefaction, especially in zones with loose sands and high groundwater levels. If an earthquake were to occur, the severity of damage, including settlements and structural failures, could be extensive, affecting critical infrastructure and posing a risk to public safety.