Blast-induced liquefaction : a probable field case

Increasingly, industrial operations adjoin residential communities. As the demand for natural resources increases, this problem is only more likely to exacerbate in coming decades. Thus, it is imperative to fully understand all potential damage mechanisms that may imperil nearby structures. This paper presents a case history that introduces a potential new mechanism, namely the unintentional triggering of liquefaction due to industrial blasting. The site in question is an early twentieth century town in the southeastern United States located adjacent to a granite quarry. Despite diligent control of blasting levels, there is a clear pattern of repeated damage radiating from the quarry area. This paper presents evidence collected to date that the damage mechanism is blasting-induced partial, repetitive liquefaction.