Geologic site conditions and site coefficients for estimating earthquake ground motions in the inland areas of Korea

Site characterization and site-specific ground response analyses were conducted at two representative inland areas in Korea. In situ tests included 25 boring investigations, 7 crosshole tests, 18 downhole tests and 41 SASW tests, and in the laboratory, resonant column tests were performed. The soil deposits in Korea, which were shallower and stiffer than those in the western US, were examined. The fundamental site periods were distributed in the narrow band ranging from 0.1 to 0.4 s. Most sites were designated as site classes C and D based on the mean shear wave velocity of the upper 30 m from the current Korean seismic design guide. Based on the ratio of the acceleration response spectra of ground surface to rock-outcrop, short-period (0.1–0.5 s) site coefficient, F_a ranged from 1.0 to 2.7, and mid-period (0.4–2.0 s) site coefficient, F_v ranged from 1.0 to 1.6, regardless of the input rock outcrop acceleration levels of 0.05 and 0.14 g. The site coefficients specified in the Korean seismic design guide, which is similar to NEHRP provisions and UBC, underestimate the ground motion in the short-period band and overestimate the ground motion in the mid-period band. These differences can be explained by the differences in the depth to bedrock and the soil stiffness profile between Korea and western US. Also, the site coefficients should be re-evaluated accounting for the local geologic conditions on the Korean peninsula.     

Development and application of a GIS-based tool for earthquake-induced hazard prediction

An integrated GIS-based tool (GTIS) was constructed to estimate site effects related to the earthquake hazards in the Gyeongju area of Korea. To build the GTIS for the study area, intensive site investigations and geotechnical data collections were performed and a walk-over site survey was additionally carried out to acquire surface geo-knowledge data in accordance with the procedure developed to build the GTIS. For practical applications of the GTIS used to estimate the site effects associated with the amplification of ground motion, seismic microzoning maps of the characteristic site period and the mean shear wave velocity to a depth of 30 m were created and presented as a regional synthetic strategy addressing earthquake-induced hazards. Additionally, based on one-dimensional site response analyses, various seismic microzoning maps for short- and mid-period amplification potentials were created for the study area. Case studies of seismic microzonations in the Gyeongju area verified the usefulness of the GTIS for predicting seismic hazards in the region.     

多地貌单元复合场地非线性地震效应特征二维分析

针对由河漫滩、阶地、波状起伏的丘陵地带和残丘等组成的典型复合地形场地,基于ABAQUS软件的显式有限元并行计算集群平台,考虑土体的非线性特征,采用黏弹性人工边界模拟切除的无限域对地震波动的影响,建立了大尺度复合地形真实场地的二维有限元模型,并将基岩地震动视为SH波,分析了不同地貌单元复合场地地震效应特征。结果表明：地形差异引起地表各测点峰值加速度(PGA)及峰值位移(PGD)不同;在相同地震波入射下,河漫滩区地表PGA大于Ⅰ级阶地区域,但其PGD明显小于Ⅰ级阶地区域,且河漫滩区的峰值位移差动较小;场地地表水平加速度反应谱呈双峰及多峰现象,加速度在0.4～1.2 Hz频段放大较多,且加速度反应谱特性与输入地震动相关;特定频段（0.5～1.75 Hz）地震动放大效应与聚集效应比较明显,频率小于0.2 Hz及大于2 Hz时,场地地震动放大特征不显著。低丘区的敏感频率段宽于河漫滩区;观测点的位置影响相应的水平加速度持时大小,局部地形变化将引起地震动持时差异,且持时和输入地震动特性相关。     

含隧道场地地震动放大效应的深度变化规律研究

以剑桥大学工程系完成的含圆形隧道的动力离心模型试验结果为基础数据,在80g重力加速度条件下,从模型基底处由弱至强输入4 种地震波 EQ1～EQ4,利用在叠环式模型箱内不同位置布设加速度传感器,获取了不同层位深度处隧道列的加速度时程记录,运用考虑相消干涉的传统谱比法,分析研究了地震作用下含隧道的场地放大效应随深度变化规律。研究结果表明：在EQ1～EQ4下各振型的地震动放大系数随深度变化曲线从基底到地表大部分呈现一个先减小后增大的现象;并统计到高阶振型地震动放大系数数值大于一阶振型的概率为 18.3%,振型越高,概率越大;近地表处地震动放大系数的最大值主要分布在 4.20～8.63 Hz的中部频段上,而不是出现在低频段上。     

A site amplification factor map of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands

Considering the lack of site effect cartography in the Iberian Peninsula region to be related to the strong motion data, we present a site amplification factor map covering the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Steps leading to produce the map have included the classification of geological units from the 1:1,000,000 scale Geological Map of Spain into six site classes characterized on a seismic response basis, and the calculation, for every site class, of both short-period and mid-period amplification factors. In order to test the validity and applicability of the map, we have calculated the synthetic seismic intensity in the particular localities where several past earthquakes were felt, supposing a point source approximation. The synthetic intensities have been obtained with and without site amplification factors, resulting in two types of synthetic isoseismals maps that have been compared with the corresponding observed isoseismals. As the amplification factors obtained are only applicable to the linear domain, the synthetic intensities greater than VII are only illustrative. A main conclusion has been drawn about the fact that synthetic isoseismals with site amplification factor approach to the related observed isoseismals in a higher degree than synthetic isoseismals without site amplification factor. In addition, the resemblances between the synthetic isoseismals produced with site amplification factors and the corresponding observed isoseismals have been found to be more evident at shorter epicentral distances, provided that intensities are lower than VIII, and therefore, we remain in the linear domain.     

场地土对基岩峰值加速度放大效应分析

通过实际土层地震反应结果的统计分析和强震加速度观测结果的对比, 讨论了不同场地条件对基岩峰值加速度的放大效应及其特点。该分析可为地震动参数区划图编制和地震安全性评价中场地效应的估计、由基岩地震动估算场地地面地震动提供参考。     

地震作用下地裂缝场地地震动参数试验研究

为研究地裂缝场地地表动力响应规律,以西安f4地裂缝场地为工程背景,采用剪切型模型箱,进行振动台模型试验。分析了地裂缝场地在地震作用下的破坏特征和动力响应,得到了地表地震动参数变化规律。试验结果表明：地震作用下,地裂缝场地的主裂缝在地表开裂、扩展,并在裂缝区产生与其45°相交的次生裂缝,次生裂缝的数量随着地震强度增大而增多;地表地震动参数峰值均表现出上、下盘效应,均在上盘裂缝处最大,逐渐向两侧递减;随着输入地震强度增大,地表加速度及Arias强度放大系数逐渐减小;上盘加速度变化频率较快,且上、下盘两侧加速度峰值存在相位差,但两侧位移及速度时程波形基本一致。该研究成果可为跨地裂缝结构抗震设计提供重要参考。     

An estimate of probabilistic seismic hazard for five cities in Greece by using the parametric-historic procedure

A probabilistic procedure was applied to assess seismic hazard for the sites of five Greek cities (Athens, Heraklion, Patras, Thessaloniki and Volos) using peak ground acceleration as the hazard parameter. The methodology allows the use of either historical or instrumental data, or a combination of both. It has been developed specifically for the estimation of seismic hazard at a given site and does not require any specification of seismic sources or/and seismic zones. A new relation for the attenuation of peak ground acceleration was employed for the shallow seismicity in Greece. The computations involved the area- and site-specific parts. When assessing magnitude recurrence for the areas surrounding the five cities, the maximum magnitude, m_max, was estimated using a recently derived equation. The site-specific results were expressed as probabilities that a given peak ground acceleration value will be exceeded at least once during a time interval of 1, 50 and 100 years at the sites of the cities. They were based on the maximum peak ground acceleration values computed by assuming the occurrence of the strongest possible earthquake (of magnitude m_max) at a very short distance from the site and using the mean value obtained with the help of the attenuation law. This gave 0.24 g for Athens, 0.53 g for Heraklion (shallow) and 0.39 g Heraklion (intermediate-depth seismicity), 0.30 g for Patras, 0.35 g for Thessaloniki and 0.30 g for Volos. In addition, the probabilities of exceedance of the estimated maximum peak ground acceleration values were calculated for the sites. The standard deviation of the new Greek attenuation law demonstrates the uncertainty and large variation of predicted peak ground acceleration values.     

Soil height randomness influence on seismic response: Case of an Algiers site

The paper deals with the effect of the depth to bedrock randomness on the seismic response of an Algiers site in time and frequency domains. Stochastic soil profile seismic analysis is carried out via Monte Carlo simulations coupled to the stiffness matrix method. The soil height is assumed to be a random variable with a log-normal distribution. The stochastic behavior of extreme ground acceleration and its response spectrum, transfer function, fundamental frequency, maximum amplitude, short- and mid-period amplification factors are derived from 1000 samples, as a parametric study is performed accounting for the influence of the coefficient of variation of the depth to bedrock. As the study herein considers a SH wave propagation pattern (SH stands for shear horizontal), the accelerations under study correspond to the E–W and N–S horizontal directions. The seismic acceleration corresponds to the Boumerdes earthquake (Algeria, May 21, 2003, M_w = 6.5). The probability density functions of the output parameters are derived using the maximum entropy principle, and compared to the log-normal distribution.The soil height heterogeneity causes an increase in the fundamental frequency of the soil profile, as well as a wider frequency content, in such a way that a larger number of structures are concerned by the resonance phenomenon.     

Site effects at a vertical accelerometer array near Paducah, Kentucky

The downhole vertical accelerometer array VSAP near Paducah, KY, consists of three-component accelerometers at the surface, the top of the McNairy Formation (−41 m), and the top of the Paleozoic bedrock (—99 m). The array is at the northern end of the Mississippi Embayment, and it was installed to verify the ground-motion modeling for the site, assuming a significant earthquake in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Accelerograms from 4.2 and 2.0 m_b earthquakes were used to check aspects of the modeling pertaining to linear behavior of the soil column, and to review the soil column models derived by drilling and geotechnical methods and through the use of high-resolution P- and SH-wave seismic refraction in reflection techniques. Results of the study indicate that for the linear case the soil column models derived by the two techniques are equivalent, and that the most important boundary in the soil column, with respect to amplification of the ground motions, is the interface between the limestone bedrock and soil.     

Correlation of seismic intensity with Fourier acceleration spectra

We present a method for estimating the seismic intensity in terms of MMI or MSK scale using Fourier amplitude spectra of ground acceleration. The method implies that severity of earthquake ground motion is determined by spectral amplitudes in relatively narrow frequency band: so-called “representative frequencies”, at decreasing frequencies (from 7–8 Hz for small intensities to 0.7 – 1.0 Hz for MMI(MSK) = VIII–IX) with increasing intensity level. It is examined through estimation of probable intensity at a site using recordings of recent earthquakes in several seismic regions and prediction of intensity distribution patterns for some earthquakes. Seismic hazard maps, in terms of intensity levels based upon the proposed approach, should describe regional features of seismic waves excitation and propagation, as well as local ground conditions.     

复合地基对场地地震反应的影响

复合地基在我国土木工程领域应用广泛。这类场地的地震反应如何呢？这对于结构设计的地震动输入是一个重要的问题。本文使用二维有限元分析程序--FLUSH,计算不同输入波和不同置换率情况下的地表加速度峰值和加速度反应谱,并围绕置换率对场地地震反应的影响进行了分析讨论。     

沙牌坝址基岩场地地震动输入参数研究

重大水利水电工程地震动输入参数必须根据专门的地震危险性分析结果来确定。目前由地震危险性分析得到的一致概率反应谱具有包络的意义,不能反映实际地震的频谱特性,输入“一致概率反应谱”可能导致地震作用偏大;拟合设计反应谱人工生成地震动加速度时程的频率非平稳性也没有得到很好解决。为了解决这些问题,得到与坝址地震危险性一致、具体地震的输入参数,结合沙牌大坝提出了一套适用于重大水利水电工程基岩场地地震动输入参数确定方法：通过以有效峰值加速度为参数的概率地震危险性计算分析,确定坝址不同超越概率下的有效峰值加速度及对坝址贡献最大的潜在震源区;在最大贡献潜在震源内利用震级空间联合分布概率最大法确定坝址设定地震,依据加速度反应谱衰减关系确定与坝址设定地震对应的设计反应谱;根据设定地震结果和时变功率谱模型参数衰减关系确定时变功率谱,将时变功率谱和最小相位谱按三角级数叠加法进行强度和频率非平稳地震加速度时程合成。在对沙牌坝址区域的地震活动性及地震构造环境分析评价的基础上,采用上述方法,得到了坝址基岩场地不同超越概率下的有效峰值加速度、设计反应谱、强度和频率非平稳地震加速度时程等地震动输入参数。     

河口盆地非线性地震效应及设计地震动参数

针对基岩明显起伏、土层非均匀分布的典型河口盆地场地,考虑土体非线性特征,采用黏弹性人工边界模拟无限域对地震波动的影响,建立大尺度精细化二维有限元模型,分析了盆地地表地震动幅值、频谱、持时、传递函数特征,探讨了基岩起伏土层的地震动聚集效应及盆地边缘效应。结果表明：（1）盆地近地表土层表现出不同程度的地震动放大效应,且随土层深度增加呈非单调递减特征,基岩突变处地震动聚集效应明显,盆地两侧产生较为显著的边缘效应;场地中、长周期地震动的放大作用显著;（2）多遇地震、偶遇地震和罕遇地震水平时,场地卓越周期依次介于0.35～0.65 s、0.40～0.75 s和0.50～1.05 s之间;给出了盆地地表PGA（地表峰值加速度）、卓越周期均值等值线图及地表加速度反应谱放大因子建议值,地表设计地震动参数amax（地震影响系数）与Tg（特征周期）明显大于现行《建筑抗震设计规范》取值;（3）盆地特殊位置地表地震动持时得到不同幅度增长,且与输入地震动特性相关;（4）该盆地对0.5～2.0 Hz频段基岩地震动的放大效应比较显著,对小于0.2 Hz或大于2.5 Hz的基岩地震动,该盆地地震动放大效应不明显;（5）福州城区及其邻近区域地震动放大效应普遍较大。大尺度二维非线性分析一定程度上能合理反映微地形起伏、土层分布及土体非线性对地震波传播过程的影响。     

Multiple source and attenuation relationships for evaluation of deterministic seismic hazard: logic tree approach considering local site effects

The most important seismic hazard parameters required to demarcate seismic zones are the peak horizontal acceleration (PHA) and spectral acceleration (SA). The two approaches for evaluation of seismic hazard are the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and the deterministic seismic hazard analysis (DSHA). The present study evaluates the seismic hazard of the South Indian Peninsular region based on the DSHA methodology. In order to consider the epistemic uncertainties in a better manner, a logic tree approach was adopted in the evaluation of seismic hazard. Two types of seismic sources and three different attenuation relations were used in the analysis. The spatial variation of PHA (mean and 84th percentile values) and SA values for 1 Hz and 10 Hz at bedrock level (84th percentile values) for the entire study area were evaluated and the results are presented here. The surface level peak ground acceleration (PGA) values will be different from that of the bedrock level values due to the local site conditions. The PGA values at ground surface level were evaluated for four different National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program site classes by considering the non-linear site response of different soil types. The response spectra for important cities in South India were also prepared using the deterministic approach and the results are presented in this paper.     

远场大地震作用下大尺度深软场地的非线性地震效应分析

基于ABAQUS软件自行研制的并行计算显式算法集群平台,针对苏州城区典型地层剖面,建立了大尺度深软场地的二维精细化非线性有限元分析模型,对人工地震波和大地震远场地震动作用下深软场地的非线性地震效应进行了比较研究。研究结果表明：（1）与人工地震波作用时深软场地的地表峰值加速度放大效应相比,大地震远场地震波作用时的放大效应尤为显著,由于土介质的横向不均匀性及其非线性,使不同地表的峰值加速度放大效应存在明显的变异性。（2）深软场地对周期小于0.3 s的高频地震波均具有显著的滤波效应;大地震远场地震波作用时,深软场地对周期0.85～1.65 s的长周期地震波的放大效应非常显著,但对2.5～7.0 s的长周期地震波呈现出明显的滤波效应。（3）地震动峰值加速度PGA值沿土层深度和横向的分布形态呈现出明显的高低起伏现象,在不同成因的土层更迭面附近及土介质横向不均匀性显著的区域,地震波的局部聚焦放大和过滤减小现象尤为明显,且大地震远场地震动作用时,20 m以浅土层的PGA值呈现出非常显著的放大效应。（4）地震波的频谱特性、土层的横向不均匀性对深软场地地表加速度反应谱? 谱的谱形有显著影响;给出了描述加速度反应谱沿土层深度变化特征的三维谱形曲线,可以直观地展示出深软场地中细长地下结构地震反应可能存在类共振现象的土层深度。     

GIS-based multi-criteria earthquake hazards evaluation using analytic hierarchy process for a nuclear power plant site,west Alexandria,Egypt

Nuclear power plants are designed to prevent the hazardous effects of the earthquakes and any external events to keep the safety of the plant. Ninety-one shallow seismic refraction profiles were performed to determine shear wave velocity of the engineering layers at the site of El Dabaa area that is situated to the northern coastline of Egypt for seismic hazard microzonation evaluation according to hazard index values. A microzonation is a procedure of delineating an area into individual zones having different ranks of numerous seismic hazards. This will aid in classifying areas of high seismic risk which is vigorous for industrial design of nuclear structures. The site response analysis requires the characterization of subsurface materials considering local subsurface profiles of the site. Site classification of the area under investigation was undertaken using P- and S-waves and available borehole data. The studied nuclear power plant site has been characterized as per NEHRP site classification using an average velocity of transverse wave (V _s ³⁰ ) of depth 30 m which acquired from seismic survey. This site was categorized into two site classes: the major one is “site class B,” and the minor one is “site class A.” The attenuation coefficient, the damping ratio and the liquefaction potential are geotechnical parameters which were derived from P- and S-waves, and have their major effects on the seismic hazard contribution. 1D ground response analysis was carried out in the places of seismic profiles inside the site for estimating the amount of ground quaking using peak ground acceleration (PGA), site amplification, predominant frequency and spectral accelerations on the surface of ground by the DEEPSOIL software package. Seven factors (criteria) deliberated to assess the earthquake hazard index map are: (1) the peak ground acceleration at the bedrock, (2) the amplification of the site, (3) the liquefaction potential, (4) the main frequency of the earthquake signal, (5) the average V _s of the first 30 m from the ground surface, (6) the depth to the groundwater and (7) the depth to the bedrock. These features were exemplified in normalized maps after uniting them to 0–1 scores according to some criteria by the minimum and maximum values as linear scaling points. Multi-criteria evaluation is an application of multi-criteria decision analysis theory that used for developing a seismic hazard index map for a nuclear power plant site at El Dabaa area in ArcGIS 10.1 software. Two models of decision making were used in this work for seismic hazard microzonation. The analytic hierarchy process model was applied to conduct the relative weights of the criteria by pairwise comparison using Expert Choice Software. An earthquake hazard index map was combined using Weighted Linear Combination model of the raster weighted overlay tool of ArcGIS 10.1. The results indicated that most of the study site of the nuclear power plant is a region of low to moderate hazard; its values are ranging between 0.2 and 0.4.     

A comparative study on linear and nonlinear site response analysis

Site response analysis is usually the first step of any seismic soil-structure study. Geotechnical earthquake engineers and engineering geologist have been trying to find both practical and most appropriate solution techniques for ground response analysis under earthquake loadings. The paper attempts to give a critical overview of the field of site response analysis. In this paper, the influences of nonlinearity on the site response analysis summarized and were evaluated with a numerical example. Site response of a two layered soil deposit with the assumption of linear and rigid base bedrock (or viscoelastic half-space) was analyzed by using linear and nonlinear approaches. The amplification spectrum of the soil column is computed between the top and the bottom of this soil deposit. Nonlinear analysis was compared with the linear method of analysis. Steps involved in ground response analyses to develop site-specific response spectra at a soil site are briefly summarized. Some of the well-known site response analysis methods are summarized and similarities and differences between linear and nonlinear methods are compared by a numerical example.     

断层穿越斜坡场地效应分析:以绵竹九龙镇山前斜坡为例

2008年汶川MS8.0强震中频繁出现断层穿越的地震滑坡,除发震断层的地震特性外,其自身场地效应也会影响斜坡动力响应,甚至加剧斜坡失稳。本文以汶川极震区绵竹九龙镇山前斜坡为典型实例,根据余震作用下斜坡不同高程实测地震记录及地脉动测试结果,通过单点谱比法(H/V),获得斜坡地震动加速度随高程的放大系数和地脉动的频谱特征曲线,通过曲线对比分析发现: 1)斜坡两次典型余震PGA放大系数随高程先减小后增大,呈明显的凹形特征,凹形部位位于断层位置,其PGA放大系数约为斜坡底部测点0.4~1.0,坡顶测点的PGA放大系数则达到1.0~2.0倍。由于PGA放大系数是在断层位置出现的明显拐点,从地质上表明了断层场地效应明显; (2)各点NS/UD谱比普遍大于EW/UD谱比。断裂区域卓越频率为低频1Hz,小于其他测点的频率,对应谱比最大值高达3.0~4.0,高于其他测点谱比最大值。说明地表破裂处岩土体松散破碎,导致断层处的卓越频率较低,近场余震传播过来的高频地震波被断层隔断,地震加速度放大系数在该处发生了衰减,场地效应显著。本研究有助于增强断层场地对斜坡动力响应影响的认识。     

Seismic microzonation of a nuclear power plant site with detailed geotechnical,geophysical and site effect studies

This paper highlights the seismic microzonation carried out for a nuclear power plant site. Nuclear power plants are considered to be one of the most important and critical structures designed to withstand all natural disasters. Seismic microzonation is a process of demarcating a region into individual areas having different levels of various seismic hazards. This will help in identifying regions having high seismic hazard which is vital for engineering design and land-use planning. The main objective of this paper is to carry out the seismic microzonation of a nuclear power plant site situated in the east coast of South India, based on the spatial distribution of the hazard index value. The hazard index represents the consolidated effect of all major earthquake hazards and hazard influencing parameters. The present work will provide new directions for assessing the seismic hazards of new power plant sites in the country. Major seismic hazards considered for the evaluation of the hazard index are (1) intensity of ground shaking at bedrock, (2) site amplification, (3) liquefaction potential and (4) the predominant frequency of the earthquake motion at the surface. The intensity of ground shaking in terms of peak horizontal acceleration (PHA) was estimated for the study area using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches with logic tree methodology. The site characterization of the study area has been carried out using the multichannel analysis of surface waves test and available borehole data. One-dimensional ground response analysis was carried out at major locations within the study area for evaluating PHA and spectral accelerations at the ground surface. Based on the standard penetration test data, deterministic as well as probabilistic liquefaction hazard analysis has been carried out for the entire study area. Finally, all the major earthquake hazards estimated above, and other significant parameters representing local geology were integrated using the analytic hierarchy process and hazard index map for the study area was prepared. Maps showing the spatial variation of seismic hazards (intensity of ground shaking, liquefaction potential and predominant frequency) and hazard index are presented in this work.