Liquefaction hazard mapping and risk evaluation for municipal assets

A liquefaction hazard map has been frequently used to assess the risk of building tilt and settlement, pipeline damage, and other conditions. Minimizing the failure of municipal utilities and assets is the key to establishing a resilient city. This study integrates various methods to evaluate the potential risks of municipal assets caused by soil liquefaction. The focus includes liquefaction hazard assessment and maps, building tilt and settlement, road subsidence, pipeline damage, uplift of manholes, and risk assessment. A hazard level was determined using the liquefaction potential index and groundwater level measurements. Considering the degree of impact on rescue operations when a disaster occurs, vulnerability levels were evaluated and graded on buildings, roads, pipelines, and manholes. The vulnerability and hazard levels were combined using a risk matrix to determine the overall risk level. This study demonstrates the risk level of public infrastructure being damaged by soil liquefaction, including buildings, roads, pipelines, and manholes within the region of two emergency routes in Taipei, using the GIS system. The risk assessment map can explain the risk level of municipal assets that affect rescue response in a disaster. This information can be used for future disaster mitigation, prevention, and urban planning.