Soil Liquefaction in Palu

Palu Koro Fault

• Stretches 60 km long north to south
• Moving north at a rate of 40 mm per year
 M 6,6
earthquake!
 Liquefaction susceptibility is
influenced by three factors:

1. Below the soil surface exist a layer of sand

less than 12 meter deep
2. The water table is below 10 meters
3. The earthquake’s peak ground acceleration
 Soil characteristic in Palu

1. Sandy layer on top (1 – 7m)

2. Layer of silt underneath (0,2 – 0,7m)
3. Clay layer (0,1 – 2,7 m)
4. Shallow groundwater level (<12m)

Locals said that Balaroa area was previously a

swamp, but was built-up and made into a
town.
A study in 2012 has determined Petobo,
Balaroa and Langaleso villages as a very
high risk liquefaction zone! Lolu villages
also included in a high risk zone!
Thank You!