Seismic liquefaction potential assessed by fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method

Liquefaction of loose, saturated granular soils during earthquakes poses a major hazard in many regions of the world. The determination of liquefaction potential of soils induced by earthquake is a major concern and an essential criterion in the design process of the civil engineering structures. A large number of factors that affect the occurrence of liquefaction during earthquake exist a form of uncertainty of non-statistical nature. Fuzzy systems are used to handle uncertainty from the data that cannot be handled by classical methods. It uses the fuzzy set to represent a suitable mathematical tool for modeling of imprecision and vagueness. The pattern classification of fuzzy classifiers provides a means to extract fuzzy rules for information mining that leads to comprehensible method for knowledge extraction from various information sources. Therefore, it is necessary to handle the soil liquefaction problem in a rational framework of fuzzy set theory. This study investigates the feasibility of using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model for predicting soil liquefaction during earthquake. In the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model of soil liquefaction, the following factors, such as earthquake intensity, standard penetration number, mean diameter and groundwater table, are selected as the evaluating indices. The results show that the method is a useful tool to assess the potential of soil liquefaction.     

Fuzzy probabilistic seismic hazard analysis with applications to Kunming city,China

China is prone to highly frequent earthquakes due to specific geographical location, which could cause significant losses to society and economy. The task of seismic hazard analysis is to estimate the potential level of ground motion parameters that would be produced by future earthquakes. In this paper, a novel method based on fuzzy logic techniques and probabilistic approach is proposed for seismic hazard analysis (FPSHA). In FPSHA, we employ fuzzy sets for quantification of earthquake magnitude and source-to-site distance, and fuzzy inference rules for ground motion attenuation relationships. The membership functions for earthquake magnitude and source-to-site distance are provided based on expert judgments, and the construction of fuzzy rules for peak ground acceleration relationships is also based on expert judgment. This methodology enables to include aleatory and epistemic uncertainty in the process of seismic hazard analysis. The advantage of the proposed method is in its efficiency, reliability, practicability, and precision. A case study is investigated for seismic hazard analysis of Kunming city in Yunnan Province, People’s Republic of China. The results of the proposed fuzzy logic-based model are compared to other models, which confirms the accuracy in predicting the probability of exceeding a certain level of the peak ground acceleration. Further, the results can provide a sound basis for decision making of disaster reduction and prevention in Yunnan province.     

Site response analysis using one-dimensional equivalent-linear method and Bayesian filtering

Site response analysis is crucial to define the seismic hazard and distribution of damage during earthquakes. The equivalent-linear (EQL) is a numerical method widely investigated and used for site response analysis. Because several sources of uncertainty are involved in this type of analysis, parameters defining the numerical models need to be identified from in-situ measurements. In this paper, a Bayesian inference method to estimate the expected values and covariance matrix of the model parameters is presented. The methodology uses data from downhole arrays recorded during earthquakes. Two numerical applications show the good performance and prediction capabilities of the proposed approach.     

An Anisotropic Modelling for the Determination of Regional Attenuation Coefficients

The anisotropic attenuation of macroseismic intensity for a seismogenetic zone is dealt with using a new modelling of intensity distribution. The analysis, carried out starting from the intensity maps of the earthquakes of different seismogenetic zones of Central and Southern Italy, allows the determination of the attenuation coefficients for each seismogenetic zone by an anisotropic attenuation law. The obtained results show the reliability of the proposed modelling within seismic hazard evaluation studies.     

The Role of Data Processing and Uncertainty Management in Seismic Hazard Evaluations: Insights from Estimates in the Garfagnana–Lunigiana Area (Northern Italy)

Significantly different estimates of seismic hazard may result for the same site as aneffect of different methodological choices underlying the adopted procedures. In orderto explore this aspect, two approaches devoted to probabilistic seismic hazard assessment are considered for the evaluation of hazard in a seismic area in Northern Italy. In particular, results of a standard procedure are compared with those obtained by an innovative approach. Fundamental features of this last methodology are the extensive use of intensity data relative to seismic effects observed at the site of interest during past earthquakes and the basic role attributed to the parameterisation of uncertainty which affects the considered pieces ofinformation. The analysis indicates that the new approach supplies results significantlydifferent from those obtained from standard methodology and that these differences strongly depend on strategies adopted for data processing and for the management of uncertainties which affect input parameters.     

Seismic input at the archaeological site of Kancheepuram in Southern India

A probabilistic seismic hazard assessment at Kancheepuram in Southern India was carried out with the scope of defining the seismic input for the vulnerability assessment of historical and monumental structures at the site, in terms of horizontal Uniform Hazard Spectra and a suite of spectrum-compatible natural accelerograms to perform time-history analysis. The standard Cornell?CMcGuire and a zone-free approach have been used for hazard computations after the compilation of a composite earthquake catalogue for Kancheepuram. Epistemic uncertainty in the seismic hazard was addressed within a logic-tree framework. Deaggregation of the seismic hazard for the peak ground acceleration shows low seismicity at Kancheepuram controlled by weak-to-moderate earthquakes with sources located at short distances from the archaeological site. Suites of natural accelerograms recorded on rock have been selected by imposing a custom-defined compatibility criterion with the probabilistic spectra. The site of Kancheepuram is characterized by a seismicity controlled by weak-to-moderate earthquakes with sources at short distances from the site, the PGA expected for 475- and 2,475-year return period are, respectively, 0.075 and 0.132?g. The Indian code-defined spectra (DBE and MCE) tend to underestimate spectral ordinates at low periods. On the other hand, the PGA are comparable and the spectral ordinates for longer periods from the probabilistic study are significantly lower.     

Assessment of earthquake hazard in Panama based on seismotectonic regionalization

Assessment of seismic hazard in Panama is made using a seismotectonic regionalization model. The coefficients of Gumbel's Type-I distribution are calculated and return periods for several magnitudes are found. From these coefficients intensities, peak ground acceleration and earthquake hazard for a set of return periods and epicentral distances are estimated and substantial variations in the probability of occurrence are noted. The Panama Fracture Zone (PFZ) and the Panama-South America Suture Zone (PSZ) provinces are the most active in producing earthquakes with a magnitude of about 7.0 in less than 16 yr. Magnitude 7.0 earthquakes in the Azuero province have a return period of about 160 yr, whereas in the Panama Deformed Belt (PDB) province the return period for magnitude 7.5 events is about 175 yr.     

Seismic hazard maps for the U.K.

Past studies of seismic hazard in the U.K. that have used modern probabilistic methods of hazard assessment have been site-specific studies, mostly in connection with nuclear installations. There has been a need for general-purpose maps of seismic hazard to show relative variation of exposure within the U.K. and to give some guidance on absolute values. Such maps have now been produced, incorporating, for the first time, the wealth of new information on historical earthquakes in Britain that has been gathered over the last 15 years. The hazard calculations were undertaken using a new computer code based on the USGS program SEISRISK III, but incorporating a logic tree approach to model variation in the input parameters (e.g. focal depth) or uncertainty in the formulation of the model (e.g. attenuation parameters). An innovative approach was taken to the formulation of seismic source zones, in which two overlapping models were employed. The first of these uses relatively broad source zones based loosely on an interpretation of seismicity and tectonics, while the second uses numerous small zones that reflect the locations of past significant earthquakes. This double approach (using the logic tree methodology) has the merit of both considering the general trend of earthquake activity as well as focusing in on known danger spots. The results show that the areas of highest hazard are western Scotland, north-western England and Wales, where the intensity with 90% probability of non-exceedance in 50 years is 6 EMS.     

Seismic Hazard Assessment for the Taiwan Region on the Basis of Recent Strong-Motion Data and Prognostic Zonation of Future Earthquakes

The paper describes an integrated approach to seismic hazard assessment, which was applied for the Taiwan region. First, empirical modelsfor ground motion estimation in the region were obtained on the basisof records from recent (1993-1999) earthquakes. The databaseincludes strong-motion data collected during the recent Chi-Chiearthquake (M=7.6, 21 September 1999) and large (M=6.8)aftershocks. The ground-motion database was also used for evaluationof generalised site amplification functions for typical soil classes(B, C and D). Second, the theoretical seismic catalogue (2001–2050)for the Taiwan region had been calculated using the 4D-model(location, depth, time) for dynamic deformation of the Earth' crustand 5D-model (location, depth, time, magnitude) for seismic process.The models were developed on the basis of available geophysical andgeodynamic data that include regional seismic catalogue. Third, theregion & site & time-dependent seismic analysis, which is basedon schemes of probable earthquake zones evaluated from the theoreticalcatalogue, regional ground motion models, and local site responsecharacteristics, has been performed. The seismic hazard maps arecompiled in terms of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and ResponseSpectra (RS) amplitudes. The maps show distribution of amplitudesthat will not be exceeded with certain probability in condition oftypical soil classes during all possible earthquakes that may occur inthe region during time period of 2003–2025. The approach allowsintroducing new parameter that describes dependency of seismichazard on time, so-called 'period of maximum hazard'. Theparameter shows the period, during which every considered sitewill be subjected by the maximum value of ground motioncharacteristic (PGA or RS).     

Evaluation of soil collapse potential in regional scale

Collapsible soils have considerable strength and stiffness in their dry natural state but settle dramatically when they become wet. This paper documents a low-cost, qualitative evaluation scheme using fuzzy set analysis to determine site collapsibility based on subjective knowledge of the geological, geotechnical, and environmental conditions and their uncertainty. For each category, factors or subcategories were defined in a decision tree based on relevant literature. Each category and subcategory was then weighted or rated using linguistic terms developed from expert assessment. The linguistic data or information obtained from the assessments was represented and processed using fuzzy sets. To calibrate the criteria, 87 collapse potential tests were performed on undisturbed soil samples gathered from 27 different locations throughout Iran, leading to the definition of a standard collapse potential fuzzy set. Finally, on the basis of the established criteria, a collapse potential map was prepared for a suburban area in the western part of the city of Kerman, Iran.     

适宜尺度区间上的多尺度区域泥石流危险性评价

泥石流灾害及其孕灾环境具有高阶模糊性,现有的模型和方法在表示和分析泥石流灾害时存在明显的尺度效应。首先提出了我国泥石流危险性评价的尺度模型,通过尺度分析的方法分析了孕灾因子的适宜尺度区间。然后基于区间II-型模糊集表示孕灾因子的高阶模糊隶属度,以此描述泥石流及其孕灾环境的复杂性;以区间权重描述各孕灾因子的重要性,并提出了适宜尺度区间上的危险性评价方法。试验表明,这种方法能够克服许多单尺度分析方法的缺陷,在泥石流危险性评价过程中能充分利用孕灾因子在适宜尺度区间上的可能状态,能顾及专家的对孕灾因子重要性评价的不确定性,评价结果比较客观。     

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for Sumatra, Indonesia and across the Southern Malaysian Peninsula

The ground motion hazard for Sumatra and the Malaysian peninsula is calculated in a probabilistic framework, using procedures developed for the US National Seismic Hazard Maps. We constructed regional earthquake source models and used standard published and modified attenuation equations to calculate peak ground acceleration at 2% and 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years for rock site conditions. We developed or modified earthquake catalogs and declustered these catalogs to include only independent earthquakes. The resulting catalogs were used to define four source zones that characterize earthquakes in four tectonic environments: subduction zone interface earthquakes, subduction zone deep intraslab earthquakes, strike-slip transform earthquakes, and intraplate earthquakes. The recurrence rates and sizes of historical earthquakes on known faults and across zones were also determined from this modified catalog. In addition to the source zones, our seismic source model considers two major faults that are known historically to generate large earthquakes: the Sumatran subduction zone and the Sumatran transform fault. Several published studies were used to describe earthquakes along these faults during historical and pre-historical time, as well as to identify segmentation models of faults. Peak horizontal ground accelerations were calculated using ground motion prediction relations that were developed from seismic data obtained from the crustal interplate environment, crustal intraplate environment, along the subduction zone interface, and from deep intraslab earthquakes. Most of these relations, however, have not been developed for large distances that are needed for calculating the hazard across the Malaysian peninsula, and none were developed for earthquake ground motions generated in an interplate tectonic environment that are propagated into an intraplate tectonic environment. For the interplate and intraplate crustal earthquakes, we have applied ground-motion prediction relations that are consistent with California (interplate) and India (intraplate) strong motion data that we collected for distances beyond 200 km. For the subduction zone equations, we recognized that the published relationships at large distances were not consistent with global earthquake data that we collected and modified the relations to be compatible with the global subduction zone ground motions. In this analysis, we have used alternative source and attenuation models and weighted them to account for our uncertainty in which model is most appropriate for Sumatra or for the Malaysian peninsula. The resulting peak horizontal ground accelerations for 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years range from over 100% g to about 10% g across Sumatra and generally less than 20% g across most of the Malaysian peninsula. The ground motions at 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years are typically about 60% of the ground motions derived for a hazard level at 2% probability of exceedance in 50 years. The largest contributors to hazard are from the Sumatran faults.     

PSHA of Van province for performance assessment using spectrally matched strong ground motion records

Within the framework of the performance based earthquake engineering, site specific earthquake spectra for Van province has been obtained. It is noteworthy that, in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, as a first stage data from geological studies and records from the instrumental period were compiled to make a seismic source characterization for the study region. The probabilistic seismic hazard curves were developed based on selected appropriate attenuation relationships, at rock sites, with a probability of exceedance 2, 10 and 50% in 50 yrs period. The obtained results are compared with the spectral responses proposed for seismic evaluation and retrofit of building structure in Turkish Earthquake Code (2007), section 7. The acceleration response spectrums obtained from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis are matched to adjust earthquake accelerograms recorded during the 2011 Van earthquakes by using SeismoMatch v2.0 software. The aim of this procedure is to obtain a set of reasonable earthquake input motions for the seismic evaluation of existing buildings.     

Early Estimation of Seismic Hazard for Strong Earthquakes in Taiwan

A shakemap system providing rapid estimates of strong ground shaking could be useful for emergency response providers in a damaging earthquake. A hybrid procedure, which combines site-dependent ground motion prediction models and the limited observations of the Real-Time Digital stream output system (RTD system operated by Central Weather Bureau, CWB), was set up to provide a high-resolution shakemap in a near-real-time manner after damaging earthquakes in Taiwan. One of the main factors that affect the result of ground motion prediction analysis is the existence of site effects. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the local site effects and their influence in the ground shaking and then establish an early estimation procedure of potential hazard for damaging earthquakes. Based on the attenuation law, the site effects of each TSMIP station are discussed in terms of a bias function that is site and intensity-level dependent function. The standard deviation of the site-dependent ground motion prediction model can be significantly reduced. The nonlinear behavior of ground soil is automatically taken into account in the intensity-level dependent bias function. Both the PGA and the spectral acceleration are studied in this study. Based on the RTD data, event correctors are calculated and applied to precisely estimate the shakemap of damaging earthquakes for emergency response.     

Assessment of earthquake hazard in Panama based on seismotectonic regionalization

Assessment of seismic hazard in Panama is made using a seismotectonic regionalization model. The coefficients of Gumbel's Type-I distribution are calculated and return periods for several magnitudes are found. From these coefficients intensities, peak ground acceleration and earthquake hazard for a set of return periods and epicentral distances are estimated and substantial variations in the probability of occurrence are noted. The Panama Fracture Zone (PFZ) and the Panama-South America Suture Zone (PSZ) provinces are the most active in producing earthquakes with a magnitude of about 7.0 in less than 16 yr. Magnitude 7.0 earthquakes in the Azuero province have a return period of about 160 yr, whereas in the Panama Deformed Belt (PDB) province the return period for magnitude 7.5 events is about 175 yr.     

Local seismic hazard assessment in areas of weak to moderate seismicity—case study from Eastern Germany

Generally the seismic hazard of an area of interest is considered independent of time. However, its seismic risk or vulnerability, respectively, increases with the population and developing state of economy of the area. Therefore, many areas of moderate seismic hazard gain increasing importance with respect to seismic hazard and risk analysis. However, these areas mostly have a weak earthquake database, i.e., they are characterised by relative low seismicity and uncertain information concerning historical earthquakes. In a case study for Eastern Thuringia (Germany), acting as example for similar places in the world, seismic hazard is estimated using the probabilistic approach. Because of the lack of earthquakes occurring in the recent past, mainly historical earthquakes have to be used. But for these the actual earthquake sources or active faults, needed for the analysis, are imprecisely known. Therefore, the earthquake locations are represented by areal sources, a common practice. The definition of these sources is performed carefully, because their geometrical shape and size (apart from the earthquake occurrence model) influence the results significantly. Using analysis tools such as density maps of earthquake epicentres, seismic strain and energy release support this. Oversizing of areal sources leads to underestimation of seismic hazard and should therefore be avoided. Large location errors of historical earthquakes on the other hand are represented by several alternative areal sources with final superimposition of the different results. In a very similar way information known from macroseismic observations interpreted as source rather than as site effects are taken into account in order to achieve a seismic hazard assessment as realistic as possible. In very local cases the meaning of source effects exceeds those of site effects very likely. The influence of attenuation parameter variations on the result of estimated local seismic hazard is relatively low. Generally, the results obtained by the seismic hazard assessment coincide well with macroseismic observations from the thoroughly investigated largest earthquake in the region.     

An effective procedure for seismic hazard analysis including nonlinear soil response

This paper presents probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) of Tehran, Iran, accounting the effect of nonlinear soil response. It is well-known that soil nonlinearity and its accurate prediction could play important role in seismic hazard study. For this purpose, two different approaches have been carried out for predicting the hazard curves by (1) applying site modifications to the ground motion prediction equation based on generic site classes and use of constant coefficients (2) using a close-form solution that modifies the hazard results at the rock level. Also, efficiency of the Monte Carlo method in modeling of amplification function for the six selected sites in the study area was examined. Results showed important effect of nonlinear soil response mainly for frequencies lower than 8?Hz, which should be considered properly in hazard estimation. As an interesting subject, influence of soil plasticity index (PI) on hazard estimation of clayey sites including the nonlinear soil response was evaluated.     

Seismic hazard assessment of northern Pakistan

This article presents probabilistic seismic hazard analyses of northern Pakistan region carried out to produce macro-seismic hazard maps for the region that define new regional ground motion design parameters for 95-, 475-, 975- and 2475-year return period earthquakes as regional contour maps and horizontal uniform hazard at important cities. The Cornell–McGuire approach (Cornell in Bull Seismol Soc Am 58(05):1583–1606, 1968; McGuire in FORTRAN computer program for seismic risk analysis. US Geological Survey, Open file Report, 76-6768, 1976) is used to carry out the analyses at 0.1° rectangular grid. The seismotectonic model of the region used in analysis consists of shallow and deep area zones differentiated based on the focal depths of the earthquakes. Earthquake catalogue compiled and used in the analysis is a composite catalogue composed of 19,373 events. Ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) used are calibrated using goodness-of-fitness measures and visual inspection with local strong motion data. Epistemic uncertainty in the GMPEs is taken into account through the logic tree approach. Comparison of ground motions due to deep earthquakes is made for the first time for the region. The comparison between ground motion due to shallow and deep earthquakes indicates that the seismic hazard would be underestimated if the deep earthquakes are excluded. Ground motion values obtained in this study considering all the earthquakes suggest ground motions are dominant towards the north east of the region. The proposed study indicates that the ground motion hazard values suggested by the current Building Code of Pakistan underestimate the seismic hazard. Final results of this study are in close agreement with the recent studies on the region.     

三角模糊数型边坡支护方案评价模型及其应用

由于边坡支护方案评价时掌握的信息不充分,资料不全,加之问题本身的复杂性、不确定性以及人类思维的模糊性,方案的评价值往往难以精确表达,用三角模糊数的形式表示更合理。针对属性值用三角模糊数表示的边坡支护方案优选问题,提出了一种基于集对分析联系数的三角模糊数型方案综合评价模型。首先,根据集对分析中的联系数理论,利用三角模糊数的中值及上下确界所限定的取值区间,将三角模糊数转化为联系数;然后,根据联系数的加法和乘法定义,建立了联系数决策模型;按照综合决策值大小即可得到最优方案。该模型既考虑了三角模糊数的中值,又兼顾了三角模糊数的上下确界,即联系数的差异度,更具有客观性、合理性。实例应用表明,该模型算理清晰,计算简便,结论与实际相符。