Mathematical-Physical Modelling of Seismic Response of the Beijing Depression

There is a NE-trending earthquake hazard anomalous zone in the western part of the area of the city ofBeijing proper. A comprehensive study of it has been made. In the study the two-dimensional finite element dy-namic analysis and supersonic seismic model experiments were conducted for the first time. and some prelimi-nary results have been achieved. The Beijing depression, a lower order tectonic unit in the Beijing downwarp, is just located below theearthquake hazard anomalous zone. Analysis of the experimental results shows that the topography of the bu-ried bedrock is the main factor responsible for the presence of the anomalous zone. Besides. thetwo-dimensional mathematical analysis has more marked advantages in reflecting the lateral inhomogeneity ofthe foundation as compared with the one-dimensional one. and the supersonic seismic model experiments mayreflect the integrated effects of the earthquake sources, path of wave propagation and site geological structurein an all-round way.

Mathematical-Physical Modelling of Seismic Response of the Beijing Depression

Abstract There is a NE- trending earthquake hazard anomalous zone in the western part of the area of the city of Beijing proper. A comprehensive study of it has been made. In the study the two-dimensional finite element dynamic analysis and supersonic seismic model experiments were conducted for the first time, and some preliminary results have been achieved. The Beijing depression, a lower order tectonic unit in the Beijing downwarp, is just located below the earthquake hazard anomalous zone. Analysis of the experimental results shows that the topography of the buried bedrock is the main factor responsible for the presence of the anomalous zone. Besides, the two-dimensional mathematical analysis has more marked advantages in reflecting the lateral inhomogeneity of the foundation as compared with the one-dimensional one, and the supersonic seismic model experiments may reflect the integrated effects of the earthquake sources, path of wave propagation and site geological structure in an all-round way.