Shear Wave Velocity- and Geology-Based Seismic Microzonation of Port-au-Prince, Haiti

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (1_suppl1) ◽  
pp. 67-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brady R. Cox ◽  
Jeff Bachhuber ◽  
Ellen Rathje ◽  
Clinton M. Wood ◽  
Ranon Dulberg ◽  
...  

A seismic site classification microzonation for the city of Port-au-Prince is presented herein. The microzonation is based on 35 shear wave velocity ( VS) profiles collected throughout the city and a new geologic map of the region. The VS profiles were obtained using the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method, while the geologic map was developed from a combination of field mapping and geomorphic interpretation of a digital elevation model (DEM). Relationships between mean shear wave velocity over the upper 30 m of the subsurface ( VS30) and surficial geologic unit have been developed, permitting code-based seismic site classification throughout the city. A site classification map for the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program/International Building Code (NEHRP/IBC) classification scheme is provided herein. Much of the city is founded on deposits that classify as either NEHRP Site Class C or D, based on VS30. Areas of the city requiring additional subsurface information for accurate site classification are noted.

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Dalia Munaff Naji ◽  
Muge K. Akin ◽  
Ali Firat Cabalar

Assessment of seismic site classification (SSC) using either the average shear wave velocity (VS30) or the average SPT-N values (N30) for upper 30 m in soils is the simplest method to carry out various studies including site response and soil-structure interactions. Either the VS30- or the N30-based SSC maps designed according to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) classification system are effectively used to predict possible locations for future seismic events. The main goal of this study is to generate maps using the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the SSC in Kahramanmaras city, influenced by both East Anatolian Fault and Dead Sea Fault Zones, using both VS30 and N30 values. The study also presents a series of GIS maps produced using the shear wave velocity (VS) and SPT-N values at the depths of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, and 25 m. Furthermore, the study estimates the bed rock level and generates the SSC maps for the average VS values through overburden soils by using the NEHRP system. The VS30 maps categorize the study area mainly under class C and limited number of areas under classes B and D, whereas the N30 maps classify the study area mainly under class D. Both maps indicate that the soil classes in the study area are different to a high extent. Eventually, the GIS maps complied for the purpose of urban development may be utilized effectively by engineers in the field.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-484
Author(s):  
Cengiz Kurtuluş ◽  
Ibrahim Sertcelik ◽  
Fadime Sertçelik ◽  
Hamdullah Livaoğlu ◽  
Cüneyt Şaş

In this study, shallow seismic surveys, including seismic refraction, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), Refraction Microtremor (ReMi), and Microtremor measurements were conducted to estimate site characterization at 26 strong-motion stations of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) in the province of Hatay, situated in one of the most seismically active regions in southern Turkey. The Horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique was applied, using smoothed Fourier spectra derived from a long duration series to determine dominant frequency values at different amplification levels. Shear wave velocity up to 30 m of the ground was detected with MASW analysis. In the ReMi analysis, up to 80 m was reached with a corresponding average of 650 m/s shear wave velocity. The shear wave velocities estimated by the MASW method up to 30 m were compared with those found by the ReMi method, and they were observed to be very compatible. The province of Hatay was classified according to Vs30 based NEHRP Provisions, Eurocode-8, the Turkish Building Earthquake Regulation (TBDY-2018), and Rodriguez-Marek et al. (2001). The shear-wave velocity (Vs30), Horizontal to Vertical ratio’s (H/V) peak amplitude, dominant period, and site class of each site were determined. The H/V peak amplitudes range between 1.9 and 7.6, while the predominant periods vary from 0.23 sec to 2.94sec in the study area. These results are investigated to explain the consistency of site classification schemes.


2000 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Dobry ◽  
R. D. Borcherdt ◽  
C. B. Crouse ◽  
I. M. Idriss ◽  
W. B. Joyner ◽  
...  

Recent code provisions for buildings and other structures (1994 and 1997 NEHRP Provisions, 1997 UBC) have adopted new site amplification factors and a new procedure for site classification. Two amplitude-dependent site amplification factors are specified: Fa for short periods and Fv for longer periods. Previous codes included only a long period factor S and did not provide for a short period amplification factor. The new site classification system is based on definitions of five site classes in terms of a representative average shear wave velocity to a depth of 30 m (V¯s). This definition permits sites to be classified unambiguously. When the shear wave velocity is not available, other soil properties such as standard penetration resistance or undrained shear strength can be used. The new site classes denoted by letters A - E, replace site classes in previous codes denoted by S1 - S4. Site classes A and B correspond to hard rock and rock, Site Class C corresponds to soft rock and very stiff / very dense soil, and Site Classes D and E correspond to stiff soil and soft soil. A sixth site class, F, is defined for soils requiring site-specific evaluations. Both Fa and Fv are functions of the site class, and also of the level of seismic hazard on rock, defined by parameters such as Aa and Av ( 1994 NEHRP Provisions), Ss and Sl ( 1997 NEHRP Provisions) or Z ( 1997 UBC). The values of Fa and Fv decrease as the seismic hazard on rock increases due to soil nonlinearity. The greatest impact of the new factors Fa and Fv as compared with the old S factors occurs in areas of low-to-medium seismic hazard. This paper summarizes the new site provisions, explains the basis for them, and discusses ongoing studies of site amplification in recent earthquakes that may influence future code developments.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.K. Mahajan ◽  
A.K. Shukla ◽  
Ajit Pandey ◽  
Mukesh Chauhan ◽  
Neetu Chauhan ◽  
...  

In this paper, shear wave velocity (Vs) investigations are carried out using Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method at ten representative sites in the NCT region, New Delhi. The analysis shows that the Vs obtained from the sites located on Alwar quartzites of Delhi Super Group ranges from 770 m/s to 2800 m/s, whereas on other sites located on lake/river sediments (Nazafgarh, Balsava and Akshar Dham) have Vs less than 180 m/s. The sites located on thick sediments shows Vs of the order of 180 m/s to 250 m/s. According to the soil classification, the sites covered can be classified under three categories: Class ‘B’ (Vs30 as >760m/s; JNU site and Asola site), class ‘D’ (Vs30>180 m/sec-360; Bhavana, Suhalpur, Ghazipur and Kirbi cantt. sites), whereas the sites located near lake/river sediments are classified as class ‘E’ (with very soft soil) and will be prone to liquefaction potential during strong earthquake shaking.


2021 ◽  
pp. 875529302110010
Author(s):  
Sameer Ladak ◽  
Sheri Molnar ◽  
Samantha Palmer

Site characterization is a crucial component in assessing seismic hazard, typically involving in situ shear-wave velocity ( VS) depth profiling, and measurement of site amplification including site period. Noninvasive methods are ideal for soil sites and become challenging in terms of field logistics and interpretation in more complex geologic settings including rock sites. Multiple noninvasive active- and passive-seismic techniques are applied at 25 seismograph stations across Eastern Canada. It is typically assumed that these stations are installed on hard rock. We investigate which site characterization methods are suitable at rock sites as well as confirm the hard rock assumption by providing VS profiles. Active-source compression-wave refraction and surface wave array techniques consistently provide velocity measurements at rock sites; passive-source array testing is less consistent but it is our most suitable method in constraining the rock VS. Bayesian inversion of Rayleigh wave dispersion curves provides quantitative uncertainty in the rock VS. We succeed in estimating rock VS at 16 stations, with constrained rock VS estimates at 7 stations that are consistent with previous estimates for Precambrian and Paleozoic rock types. The National Building Code of Canada uses solely the time-averaged shear-wave velocity of the upper 30 m ( VS30) to classify rock sites. We determine a mean VS30 of ∼ 1600 m/s for 16 Eastern Canada stations; the hard rock assumption is correct (>1500 m/s) but not as hard as often assumed (∼2000 m/s). Mean variability in VS30 is ∼400 m/s and can lead to softer rock classifications, in particular, for Paleozoic rock types with lower average rock VS near the hard/soft rock boundary. Microtremor and earthquake horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios are obtained and provide site period classifications as an alternative to VS30.


2010 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 69-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rama Mohan Pokhrel ◽  
Jiro Kuwano ◽  
Shinya Tachibana

Liquefaction hazard zonation mapping of the Saitama City targeted on the Kanto Plain NW Edge Fault is described in this paper. The study involves the geotechnical properties of the alluvial soil of the city including Standard Penetration Test (SPT), shear wave velocity and other geological data analysis. The city being highly urbanized is situated on the soft soil (alluvial deposits) at the proximity of an active seismic fault that has increased the possibility of liquefaction hazard in the area. Kanto Plain NW Edge Fault is an active fault that lies very near to the Saitama City having the estimated possible earthquake magnitude of 7.4. The possible peak horizontal ground acceleration (amax) from this earthquake is calculated as from 0.15 g to 0.30 g. By considering all possible acceleration values the liquefaction potential maps were prepared and presented in this paper. Additionally, the shear wave velocity is very low and amplification ratio is very high at the marshy deposit but it has comparatively high velocity and low amplification ratio at the marine loam deposit area of the Omiya Plateau. In this paper the liquefaction potential of the area is expressed in terms of liquefaction potential index (PL). The PL value for the clayey silt deposit in the marshy area with shallow water table is very high. In addition, the PL value in the marine loam deposit of the Omiya Plateau is less which indicates that loam deposit has less liquefaction potential than marshy deposit. The map obtained from this study was validated with the field condition of the study area. Hence, it is expected that this study will assist in characterizing the seismic hazards and its mitigation and will provide valuable information for urban planning in the study area in future.


Geo-Risk 2017 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenxin Liu ◽  
Chaofeng Wang ◽  
Qiushi Chen ◽  
Guoxing Chen ◽  
C. Hsein Juang

2014 ◽  
Vol 580-583 ◽  
pp. 264-267
Author(s):  
Sheng Jie Di ◽  
Zhi Gang Shan ◽  
Xue Yong Xu

Characterization of the shear wave velocity of soils is an integral component of various seismic analysis, including site classification, hazard analysis, site response analysis, and soil-structure interaction. Shear wave velocity at offshore sites of the coastal regions can be measured by the suspension logging method according to the economic applicability. The study presents some methods for estimating the shear wave velocity profiles in the absence of site-specific shear wave velocity data. By applying generalized regression neural network (GRNN) for the estimation of in-situ shear wave velocity, it shows good performances. Therefore, this estimation method is worthy of being recommended in the later engineering practice.


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