Geotechnical damage due to the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake and future challenges

Abstract

The 2016 Kumamoto earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.0 (Japanese intensity = 7) that struck on April 16 brought devastation in many areas of Kumamoto Prefecture and partly in Oita Prefecture in Kyushu Region, Japan. The earthquake preceded a foreshock of magnitude 6.5 (Japanese intensity = 7) on April 14. This paper summarizes the damage brought to geotechnical structures by the two consecutive earthquakes within a span of twenty-eight hours. The paper highlighted some of the observed damage and identifies reasons for such damage. The geotechnical challenges towards mitigation of losses from such earthquakes are also suggested.