Liquefaction-induced settlement and tilting of buildings with shallow foundations based on field and laboratory observation

In order to examine relative importance of key parameters affecting liquefaction-induced settlement and tilting of buildings with shallow foundations, earthquake reconnaissance studies and centrifuge experiments were made and their results were compared with those of similar previous studies. It is shown that: (1) The liquefaction-induced relative settlement and tilting of shallow foundations tend to increase with increasing contact pressure and ground settlement, and with decreasing groundwater table depth and thickness of the non-liquefied crust; (2) The tilt angle of the building also tends to increase with increasing eccentric mass and distance ratio; and (3) The safety factors against vertical load and dynamic overturning moment are key indicators to estimate liquefaction-induced damage to buildings with rigid shallow foundations. •Factors affecting liquefaction-induced building settlement and tilting were studied.•They were affected by various factors such as contact pressure and ground settlement.•The safety factors against vertical load and overturning moment were key indicators.