Which mechanism initiates liquefaction during an earthquake when seismic waves propagate through saturated soil?

💡 Explanation

When seismic waves pass through saturated soil, the cyclic loading causes increased pore water pressure because water cannot escape quickly, reducing the effective stress between soil particles. Therefore, the soil loses its strength and behaves like a liquid, rather than amplifying shear waves, direct stress decrease or grain heating which are secondary effects.

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