Shaking of loose, sandy ground by an earthquake rattles the soil structure and induces its collapse. During the moments after the soil structure breaks down and before the excess pore water has had time to drain out, the soil temporarily turns into a liquid composed of sand grains suspended in water. The transformation from an initially solid state to a viscous liquid is referred to as liquefaction. While the phenomenon has been studied since the 1960s, liquefaction continues to be a major geotechnical hazard following major earthquakes.
Motivated by first-hand observations of the devastating impact of soil liquefaction following the 1990 Luzon (Philippines) earthquake, Professor Rolando Orense has been researching since then on ways to better understand, evaluate and mitigate the damaging effect of soil liquefaction on the built environment. This talk reflects on this journey, especially acknowledging the people, places, and things that have shaped his academic career.
Venue: The Faculty of Engineering, University of Auckland, 20 Symonds Street, Auckland
Lecture Hall: 405.460
Registration will open at 5:30pm with refreshments served in the level 4 atrium (401.418).
