November 2011 and Associated Geotechnical Damages

Two devastating earthquakes (Van-Ercis, M(w)7.2 and Edremit, M(w)5.6) occurred in October and November 2011, respectively, in the Van Province of the eastern Turkey. In this study, the characteristics of both main shocks and their geo-engineering aspects are evaluated. Some computations and observations showed that the amount of lateral spreading is about 69 cm for an inclination of 3 % while it becomes about 19 cm for the inclination of 1 %. Probably amplification effect due to the Van-Ercis earthquake and slope height and angle might be the main reasons of natural slope failures. Although the magnitude of the Edremit earthquake was small, this is the first time for liquefaction occurred during an earthquake with a magnitude smaller than 5.9 experienced in Turkey