Liquefaction potential for the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal: a sensitivity study

Abstract An assessment of liquefaction potential for the Kathmandu Valley considering seasonal variability groundwater table has been conducted. To gain deeper understanding seven historical records located adjacent to borehole datapoints (published in SAFER/GEO-591) were used compare two methods estimation potential. Standard Penetration Test (SPT) blowcount data from 75 boreholes inform new maps. Various scenarios modelled, i.e., variation and peak ground acceleration. Ordinary kriging, implemented ArcGIS, was prepare maps at urban scale. Liquefaction calculations using methodology (Sonmez, Environ Geol 44:862–871, 2003) provided a good match region. Seasonal is shown have significant effect on spatial distribution calculated across valley. The less than anticipated manifestations due Gorkha earthquake are possibly water level.