Liquefaction potential analysis based on soil parameters in Simpang Gia, Padang

Liquefaction poses a significant hazard in earthquake-prone regions, particularly where loose and saturated soils predominate. This study evaluates the liquefaction potential of a site in Simpang Gia, Padang, West Sumatra, through field sampling and laboratory testing. Soil samples were collected using a hand auger up to 1.5 m depth and analyzed for water content, grain size distribution, dry unit weight, and specific gravity. Laboratory results show a water content of 28.157%, a dry unit weight of 1.3322 g/cm³, and a relative density of 18.54%, classifying the material as loose sand conditions that are typically susceptible to liquefaction. The Tsuchida method, applied to the grain size data based on the USCS, indicated that the sample lies within the “liquefiable” zone on the empirical chart. Although limited to a single sampling point, the results align with the geological characteristics of Padang’s coastal plain and previous studies reporting similar findings. The analysis highlights a high liquefaction risk at the site during seismic events and emphasizes the importance of site-specific investigations in coastal areas of Padang. These findings can inform urban planning and contribute to disaster mitigation strategies in West Sumatra.