EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE, NORTHERN IRAN, JUNE 21, 1990

Differential Settlement, Liquefaction, Iran

[BUILDING DAMAGE, LIQUEFACTION] Large differential settlement due to liquefaction. The building to the left sank relative to the small (lighter) attached structure. The structures probably do not share a joined foundation. Much evidence of liquefaction was identified in the towns of Astaneh Ashrafieh, Lushan, and Noosher. These villages are located on soft sediments near the shore of the Caspian Sea. The foundations of structures were affected by the spreading or weakening of the liquified soils, causing extensive structural damage. Photograph Credit: M. Mehrain, Dames and Moore.