Liquefaction of soil in the Tokyo Bay area from the 2011 Tohoku (Japan) earthquake

Immediately following the 11th March 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku (Japan) earthquake, a field investigation was carried out around the Tokyo Bay area. This paper provides first-hand observations (before or just at the onset of repair) of widespread liquefaction and the associated effects. Observations related to uplift of manholes, settlement of ground, performance of buildings and bridges and the effects of ground improvements are also presented. Recorded ground motions near the Tokyo Bay area were analysed to understand their key characteristics (large amplitude and long duration). Lessons learnt are also presented.

► Geotechnical field investigations of the 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku earthquake are reported. ► First-hand observations of widespread liquefaction around the Tokyo Bay area are presented. ► The effects of long-duration ground motions critical to liquefaction-related damage are analysed. ► Successful cases of ground improvement for reclaimed/filled land are discussed.