LAND LIQUEFACTION

HOW DID EARTHQUAKES AFFECT THE

LAND RECLAMATIONS?

WHAT IS THE RECLAMATION?

Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from ocean, river, and lake.

TOKYO BAYJapan is a small island, so land reclamation has been carried out along the coast of Tokyo Bay since approximately 1910. Tokyo Bay includes about 96 square miles of reclaimed land area.

A view of northern Tokyo Bay facing Tokyo from Odaiba.

RECLAIMED CITY: URAYASU

Urayasu city is located 30 min from Tokyo Station in Chiba prefecture. The city is very well known as a place where Tokyo Disney Resort consisting of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Urayasu is newer reclaimed land; therefore, it is famous for its organized modern residences, hotels, wide streets, large sidewalks, and beautiful parks.

LAND LIQUEFACTION IN URAYASU

Massive earthquake on March 11, 2011 led to the phenomenon of liquefaction in Urayasu city because the city was a place with major areas of reclaimed ground. 85% of the utility infrastructure, roads, building, and houses were greatly damaged and affected by liquefaction. The damage cost the city approximately ¥73,4 billion to repair.

LIQUEFACTION OCCURRED IN TOYKO BAY

Construction company employees inspect the manholes pushed out of the ground

Tilted roadside near the Maihama station

Cracks in the road surface Uplifted groundwork around the electric power poles

A leaning utility pole

Uplifted the road surface in front of the elevator

A tilted telephone boothLeaning an apartment and an utility pole

People inspect the parking lot for Tokyo Disneylandshowing soil liquefaction