Earthquake Drains are corrugated pipe wrapped in tightly fitting filter fabric. Earth Quake Drains are installed vertically to provide pore pressure drainage during a seismic event reducing the risk of liquefaction damage to structures. Each Earth Quake Drain is assembled on site and installed by vibrating a hollow mandrel containing the drain to treatment depth. The mandrel is withdrawn and the Earth Quake Drain remains in place.
Applications
- Earthquake Drains are used for seismic mitigation on any site that has liquefiable soils
- Low to mid rise new construction buildings
- Area loads such as tanks and embankments
Construction Advantages
- Allows for the use of shallow foundations
- Very economical in comparison to other liquefaction mitigation programs
- Expedient process and minimal site disturbance
What to Expect
- Earth Tech will provide a signed and sealed design indicating the treatment plan
- Earth Quake Drains are typically spaced on a 4 to 6-foot grid beneath the entire building
- Site clearing and access preparation precede Earth Quake Drain installation
- Final site grading, spoils clean up and foundation construction follow Earth Quake Drain installation
- Tops of Earth Quake Drains shall be confined in a permeable layer of soil or rock
