Field characterization of areas in İskenderun affected by liquefaction during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake

The 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake sequence significantly impacted southeastern Türkiye. A comprehensive field investigation of 40 cone penetration tests and 7 seismic cone penetration tests was conducted to characterize the subsurface conditions of several areas affected by liquefaction in the port city of İskenderun. The investigations were performed at a key seismic station in the area, five areas with differing liquefaction-induced building settlements, and three lateral spread sites. The reclaimed shoreline area, which exhibited the most significant liquefaction effects, is underlain by thick medium dense clean sand deposits. Ground shaking characteristics in the investigated areas are estimated and essential subsurface data for developing high-quality field case histories are developed to support studies of liquefaction triggering and effects in İskenderun. In this context, it contributes to advancing liquefaction engineering and informs seismic hazard mitigation strategies in urban areas.