Effect of Earthquakes in Marshy Lands and Alluvial Soils: Case Histories

This paper presents a case study of the various factors effecting foundations and piling in marsy lands and alluvial soils. Various aspects regarding these types of soils are presented in context of the Indian sub-continent. Various case studies are shown and practical inferences are drawn from them on the correct methodology of piling and foundation work to be performed in marshy and alluvial soils. Also examples from recent earthquakes in Gujarat, India are analyzed. . Precautionary measures such as light structures, with no cantilever, and no highrise buildings are a preliminary step. Further the overstressing of ground need to be avoided by spacing structures well apart. The eccentricity of center of gravity should not be allowed. In construction all joints shall have same stiffness. The billion-dollar loss equation is an assuming an SPT value for marsh depths of 7 to 9m [which really does not exist]