An attenuation model for distant earthquakes

Large magnitude earthquakes generated at source–site distances exceeding 100km are typified by low‐frequency (long‐period) seismic waves. Such induced ground shaking can be disproportionately destructive due to its high displacement, and possibly high velocity, shaking characteristics. Distant earthquakes represent a potentially significant safety hazard in certain low and moderate seismic regions where seismic activity is governed by major distant sources as opposed to nearby (regional) background sources. Examples are parts of the Indian sub‐continent, Eastern China and Indo‐China. The majority of ground motion attenuation relationships currently available for applications in active seismic regions may not be suitable for handling long‐distance attenuation, since the significance of distant earthquakes is mainly confined to certain low to moderate seismicity regions. Thus, the effects of distant earthquakes are often not accurately represented by conventional empirical models which were typically developed from curve‐fitting earthquake strong‐motion data from active seismic regions. Numerous well‐known existing attenuation relationships are evaluated in this paper, to highlight their limitations in long‐distance applications. In contrast, basic seismological parameters such as the Quality factor (Q‐factor) could provide a far more accurate representation for the distant attenuation behaviour of a region, but such information is seldom used by engineers in any direct manner. The aim of this paper is to develop a set of relationships that provide a convenient link between the seismological Q‐factor (amongst other factors) and response spectrum attenuation. The use of Q as an input parameter to the proposed model enables valuable local seismological information to be incorporated directly into response spectrum predictions. The application of this new modelling approach is demonstrated by examples based on the Chi‐Chi earthquake (Taiwan and South China), Gujarat earthquake (Northwest India), Nisqually earthquake (region surrounding Seattle) and Sumatran‐fault earthquake (recorded in Singapore). Field recordings have been obtained from these events for comparison with the proposed model. The accuracy of the stochastic simulations and the regression analysis have been confirmed by comparisons between the model calculations and the actual field observations. It is emphasized that obtaining representative estimates for Q for input into the model is equally important.Thus, this paper forms part of the long‐term objective of the authors to develop more effective communications across the engineering and seismological disciplines. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Frequency domain modal analysis of earthquake input energy to highly damped passive control structures

A new complex modal analysis‐based method is developed in the frequency domain for efficient computation of the earthquake input energy to a highly damped linear elastic passive control structure. The input energy to the structure during an earthquake is an important measure of seismic demand. Because of generality and applicability to non‐linear structures, the earthquake input energy has usually been computed in the time domain. It is shown here that the formulation of the earthquake input energy in the frequency domain is essential for deriving a bound on the earthquake input energy for a class of ground motions and for understanding the robustness of passively controlled structures to disturbances with various frequency contents. From the viewpoint of computational efficiency, a modal analysis‐based method is developed. The importance of overdamped modes in the energy computation of specific non‐proportionally damped models is demonstrated by comparing the energy transfer functions and the displacement transfer functions. Through numerical examinations for four recorded ground motions, it is shown that the modal analysis‐based method in the frequency domain is very efficient in the computation of the earthquake input energy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic structural control using an electric servomotor active mass driver system

This study investigates an electric‐type active mass driver (AMD) system for structural vibration control. Composed primarily of an electric servomotor and a ball screw, the electrical AMD system is free from noise problems, oil leakage, and labor‐intensive maintenance that commonly are associated with hydraulic AMD systems. The desired stroke amplification of the mass and the power demand of the servomotor can be adjusted via the ball screw pitch, which in turn affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Meanwhile, an instantaneous optimal direct output feedback control algorithm is adopted. Numerical simulation is performed using a five‐story steel frame as the object structure under the conditions of the 1940 El Centro earthquake. The AMD system proves to be effective and efficient within a certain range of the ball screw pitch. The reductions of the peak responses can reach as high as 70% if properly designed. Requiring only the velocity measurement of the top floor for on‐line feedback control, the proposed control algorithm is recommended for practical implementation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic performance evaluation of steel arch bridges against major earthquakes. Part 1: dynamic analysis approach

In this study the inelastic behavior of steel arch bridges subjected to strong ground motions from major earthquakes is investigated by dynamic analyses of a typical steel arch bridge using a three‐dimensional (3D) analytical model, since checking seismic performance against severe earthquakes is not usually performed when designing such kinds of bridge. The bridge considered is an upper‐deck steel arch bridge having a reinforced concrete (RC) deck, steel I‐section girders and steel arch ribs. The input ground motions are accelerograms which are modified ground motions based on the records from the 1995 Hyogoken‐Nanbu earthquake. Both the longitudinal and transverse dynamic characteristics of the bridge are studied by investigation of time‐history responses of the main parameters. It is found that seismic responses are small when subjected to the longitudinal excitation, but significantly large under the transverse ground motion due to plasticization formed in some segments such as arch rib ends and side pier bases where axial force levels are very high. Finally, a seismic performance evaluation method based on the response strain index is proposed for such steel bridge structures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Frozen Soils and Devastating Characteristics of West Kunlun Mountains Pass Ms 8.1 Earthquake Area in 2001

The investigation on damages to frozen soil sites during the West Kunlun Mountains Pass earthquake with Ms 8.1 in 2001 shows that the frozen soil in the seismic area is composed mainly of moraine, alluvial deposit, diluvial deposit and lacustrine deposit with the depth varying greatly along the earthquake rupture zone. The deformation and rupture of frozen soil sites are mainly in the form of coseismic fracture zones caused by tectonic motion and fissures,liquefaction, seismic subsidence and collapse resulting from ground motion. The earthquake fracture zones on the surface are main brittle deformations, which, under the effect of sinlstral strike-slip movement, are represented by shear fissures, tensional cracks and compressive bulges. The distribution and configuration patterns of deformation and rupture such as fissures, liquefaction, seismic subsidence and landslides are all related to the ambient rock and soil conditions of the earthquake area. The distribution of earthquake damage is characterized by large-scale rupture zones, rapid intensity attenuation along the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Highway, where buildings distribute and predominant effect of rock and soil conditions.     

Features of the M7.9 Earthquake in the Russia- Mongolia- China Boundary Region

At 19:33 p. m on September 27, 2003, an earthquake with M7.9 occurred in the RussiaMongolia-China boundary Region. It was strongly felt in the Altay region of Xinjiang. The losses caused by the earthquake was 76 million yuan (RMB). Some information about the earthquake was outlined, including basic parameters, focal mechanism, evaluation of earthquake disaster losses and so on. The satellite remote sensing information worked initial analysis for deformation of ground and failure phenomenon.     

中国西北盆山地区地壳结构及其演化

根据新疆及其它相关地学断面所获资料，论述了中国西北盆山构造地区的地壳结构，已有资料表明，在中国西北盆山地区，山脉和盆地具有明显不同的地壳结构，它们的地壳厚度不同，表现为山区地壳厚，具有明显的山根：盆地区地壳厚度小，同时地壳分层和各层的组分也有所差异，这些地壳本身结构性的差异，以及它们所受到的应力状态和热状态的不同，就是小区各种构造活动产生的根源，最后从区内地质构造形成过程讨论了区内地壳不同结构形成的演化历史。     

与时俱进,发展中国大地构造学

论述了黄汲清经典著作《中国主要地质构造单位》的深远影响。它是中国大地构造研究的奠基之作和经典著作 ,其基本内容和主要论点已为实践所证实 ,并为国内外地质界所认同。这部著作不仅全面系统地总结了过去 ,而且对一些重大地质问题进行了科学预测 ,为后人指出了研究的方向。它是一部你什么时候读都有味道 ,都会受到新的启发的著作。黄汲清的学术思想是民主的、开放的 ,与时俱进的。在《中国主要地质构造单位》中 ,他运用阿尔冈活动论的思想 ,阐述了中国大地构造的动力演化过程。之后 ,他又吸收了裴伟深断裂的思想 ,深入研究了中国的深断裂。 2 0世纪 70年代 ,他指导他的学生将多旋回思想与板块构造结合 ,在中国大地构造图上首次详细标绘了中国境内的板块缝合带 ,从全球动力学角度 ,将他 1 94 5年提出的亚洲三种构造型式发展为古亚洲、特提斯和滨太平洋三大构造域。黄汲清的研究始终是从东亚地质的实际情况出发 ,他曾多次指出 :中国是全球构造研究中的一块宝地 ,中国人应该为世界地质科学的发展做出贡献     

安徽张八岭地区西冷岩组早期构造变形特征

安徽张八岭地区西冷岩组早期构造变形复杂，主要表现为褶皱以及与褶皱变形密切相关的韧性剪切变形。野外调查表明，该地层中至少发育3期褶皱变形，其中F1为北西向韧性剪切褶皱；F2为向南南西倾伏的纵弯褶皱；F3为近东西向的宽缓褶皱。F1与F：联合制约了西冷岩组岩层展布的总体格局。显微构造，特别是岩石的磁性组构特征证明了区内曾发生过多期构造变形，且有两期最为显著，即早期的水平剪切和随后发生的侧向挤压。本文重点阐述上述褶皱变形的几何学特征，并进行运动学和动力学分析。     

应用MapGIS构建上海及邻近海域地震与新构造活动关系数据库

基于MapGIS构建上海及邻近海域地震和新构造活动数据库。该数据库由空间和属性两大数据库组成。其中，空间数据库包括地理底图库及地震、活动断裂、新生代盆地、岩浆岩分布多个专题图库；属性数据库主要针对专题图库而建立，有地震属性库、活动断裂属性库及新生代盆地属性库。通过图形数据结构和属性数据结构共有的标识码实现图形数据库和属性数据库之间的连接。为方便查询检索，对重要的属性数据如断裂走向、地震震级等以编码方式表示。该数据库的建立为定量研究和评价本区地震与新构造活动的关系，以及防震减灾提供了重要的科学依据。