What is the result of liquefaction in saturated soils?

Liquefaction occurs in saturated soils during an earthquake or similar dynamic loading when the soil loses its strength and stiffness, causing it to behave in a manner similar to that of a liquid. This phenomenon is primarily a result of increased pore water pressure, which reduces the effective stress in the soil. When the effective stress approaches zero, the soil particles can move more freely, leading to a state where they can no longer support load effectively, and the soil experiences flow-like behavior.

This behavior can lead to significant ground failure and instability, which can be particularly dangerous in urban environments where structures are built on or adjacent to such soils. Therefore, recognizing that liquefaction results in the soil flowing akin to a liquid is crucial for understanding the implications of seismic activity on soil stability and the associated risks in civil engineering and construction projects.