Italian accelerometric archive: geological, geophysical and geotechnical investigations at strong-motion stations

Geological, geophysical and geotechnical investigations, for the characterization of the strong-motion recording sites managed by the Italian Civil Protection, have been carried out in the framework of the project “Italian strong-motion database in the period 1972–2004”. The project aimed at creating an updated database of strong-motion data acquired in Italy by different institutions in the time span 1972–2004, and at improving the quality of disseminated data. This article illustrates the state of the recording site characterization before the beginning of the project, explains the criteria adopted to select the sites where geophysical/geotechnical investigation have been performed and describes the results of the promoted field surveys.     

A stochastic model for predicting seismic failure in a soil deposit

Liquefaction of saturated sand deposits under seismic excitation is studied on the basis of a fatigue failure approach. The model includes a stochastic treatment of the input, of the soil response and of the cumulative pore pressure effects produced by cycling stresses in the soil. A method of establishing safety factors against liquefaction is also considered. Results obtained from analysis of a case history confirm the applicability of the model for engineering purposes.