Enhancing Earthquake Resilience: How Capiphon Draintubes Revolutionize Liquefaction Mitigation

Jun 07, 2024By S C
S C

Overview

Soil liquefaction poses a significant risk to global infrastructure, with the U.S. Geological Survey identifying it as a major cause of earthquake damage. This occurs when loosely packed, water-logged sediments near the surface lose strength due to intense ground shaking, leading to substantial damage beneath buildings and structures, exemplified by the 2024 Noto earthquake with picture shown below (reference).

2024 Noto Earthquake and liquefaction

Additionally, Arizona State University's 2023 findings underscore the vulnerability of trillions of dollars’ worth of global infrastructure to liquefaction, even from moderate earthquakes. While traditional mitigation techniques such as vibratory compaction, deep pile foundations, and soil grouting are effective, they are also costly, with soil grouting having a significant impact on budgets.

Drainage methods aimed at reducing soil pore water pressure offer a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Despite their effectiveness in delaying liquefaction, traditional vertical drainage strips may not perform as well under the seismic conditions of an earthquake.

Adopting Capiphon Drainage Systems as the solution for liquefaction

Capiphon Draintube is a solution worth considering. Draintubes utilize capillary action to lower groundwater levels and further reduce soil moisture and pore water pressure, enhancing soil stability and liquefaction resistance. If an earthquake occurs, the pressure accelerates the siphoning effect, quickly draining water to the surface to prevent severe cracking caused by the quake. Below is an example of how Draintube performs as a relief well.

a man sitting in front of a laptop computer

Case study

A power plant in Taiwan aimed to enhance its disaster resilience has undertaken a large-scale project using Capiphon drainage pipes. In areas of the power plant expansion where groundwater levels were high, a 400-square-meter anti-liquefaction project was implemented. 

About 50 holes, each 12 meters deep, were drilled, and approximately 600 Capiphon pipes were installed vertically. This method effectively eliminated excess groundwater, not only stabilizing the foundation but also significantly reducing the risk of liquefaction-induced damage during earthquakes.

Please refer to the pictures below detaling the installation process

Old fashioned clock on a blurry desk in the AM.
Sa Calobra, Mallorca

Drilling of the 12 meter hole in order to install the vertical Draintubes (12 Draintubes in total)

A house with blue elements in Bonn.

After installation, the siphoning effecting can be seen transporting excess ground water to the surface.

s take a moment to reflect on the power of photography to inspire action and drive positive change for our environment. May these images serve as a call to action, reminding us of our responsibility to protect the natural world that sustains us all.

Once the vertail relief wells are in place, additional PVC pipes are connected at the top to move excess ground water to an appropirate drainage area.

Learn more:What is Capiphon Eco Drain™ ?