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Liquefaction which is one of the most destructive ground deformations occurs during an earthquake in saturated or partially saturated silty and sandy soils, which may cause serious damages such as settlement and tilting of structures due to shear strength loss of soils. Standard (SPT) and cone (CPT) penetration tests as well as the shear wave velocity (Vs)-based methods are commonly used for the determination of liquefaction potential. In this research, it was aimed to compare the SPT and Vs-based liquefaction analysis methods by generating different earthquake scenarios. Accordingly, the Erciş residential area, which was mostly affected by the 2011 Van earthquake (Mw = 7.1), was chosen as the model site. Erciş (Van, Turkey) and its surroundings settle on an alluvial plain which consists of silty and sandy layers with shallow groundwater level. Moreover, Çaldıran, Erciş–Kocapınar and Van Fault Zones are the major seismic sources of the region which have a significant potential of producing large magnitude earthquakes. After liquefaction assessments, the liquefaction potential in the western part of the region and in the coastal regions nearby the Lake Van is found to be higher than the other locations. Thus, it can be stated that the soil tightness and groundwater level dominantly control the liquefaction potential. In addition, the lateral spreading and sand boiling spots observed after the 23rd October 2011 Van earthquake overlap the scenario boundaries predicted in this study. Eventually, the use of Vs-based liquefaction analysis in collaboration with the SPT results is quite advantageous to assess the rate of liquefaction in a specific area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important factors causing loss of life and property during earthquakes is the soil conditions that the structure is built on. Determination of the soil engineering properties for understanding the behavior of ground under dynamic loads and/or minimizing the losses that may occur is quite crucial. The earthquakes occurred in our country especially in 1999 and later on, and the resulting loss of life and property once more emphasized the importance of the social and economic dimensions of the impact created by the earthquake. Dynamic soil properties must be studied in accordance with the principles of microzonation considering the natural disasters such as earthquake. For this aim, the dynamic soil properties of Van Yuzuncu Yil University campus area are determined. Liquefaction, soil amplification and the like for the campus area are investigated through field studies conducted in order to reveal the ground conditions, and consequently the suitability for settlement is evaluated to guide the future planning of the campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]