Master of Science

thesisThis study presents probabilistic liquefaction-induced ground failure maps for Davis County, Utah. The mapping project presented herein includes probabilistic liquefaction triggering maps along with probabilistic lateral spread maps using the state-of-the-art probabilistic liquefaction and lateral spread analyses techniques and an M 7.2 scenario earthquake at Wasatch fault, Weber section developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Earthquake Hazard Program. For this purpose, 300 Monte-Carlo experiments were conducted on 2.2 million grid points covering Davis County, resulting in 660 million liquefaction and lateral spread analyses. Under the given earthquake scenario, the results show a high probability of liquefaction and high probability of lateral spread larger than 0.1 meters in parts of the northern cities of the county. Southern and northeastern parts of the county are unlikely to experience liquefaction or lateral displacements greater than 0.1 meters. The uncertainty of the mapping process was insignificant for most parts of the liquefaction triggering map. However, this uncertainty becomes more significant for lateral spread hazard maps with larger displacement thresholds. The uncertainty increases as the threshold increases. The most important factors in lateral spread maps were (a) distance to the source of energy, (b) geologic unit, and (c) ground slope