Thixotropy also plays an important role in earthquake research. Oftentimes, semi-stabilized thixotrophic muds can liquify during prolonged shaking, resulting in mudslides and collapse of buildings. The technical term for soil mobilization is soil liquefaction.
The 1964 quake in Anchorage, Alaska was the strongest quake to hit North America in the 20th century, and resulted in significant ground flow. Proper city planning should avoid construction on thixotropic soils. However, short term commercial pressures often (usually?) outweigh prudent long term planning.