Assessment and mapping of earthquake induced liquefaction hazards in the Wellington Region, New Zealand

The liquefaction hazards in the Wellington region have been systematically mapped. A study of the earthquakes and records of liquefaction in the region during the past 150 years confirmed the presence of significant liquefaction hazards. Two earthquake scenarios, a moderate distant event and a large event on the local Wellington Fault, were considered in the liquefaction assessment and mapping. The liquefaction hazard was mapped using a method specifically developed for the study, which comprised detailed liquefaction assessments at key locations where sufficient geotechnical information was available, followed by mapping using these point estimates and the near-surface geology of the area. Hazard maps for liquefaction susceptibility, potential and the consequent ground damage were prepared.