Earthquake Damage and Repair of Oakland Airport Runway

Abstract

On October 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake took place near Santa Cruz, Calif. Damage occurred as far as 100 km from the earthquake's epicenter. Of particular concern was damage to transportation systems and widespread disruption of utilities and lifeline facilities. Damage to airports in the vicinity of a major natural disaster, such as the Loma Prieta earthquake, is critical because airports are a major link in our national transportation system that can deliver emergency supplies and help. An investigation into a case history such as the damage that occurred at the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport provides valuable experience. The damage that occurred to the runway pavement was a result of liquefaction occurring in an underlying zone of dredged sand fill. Only the western 900 m of the 3,000-m Runway 11-29 was significantly damaged. This paper discusses the conditions that led to the failure of 900 m of Runway 11-29, describes the damage that occurred, and summarizes the repairs that were made to the runway.