Abstract
Assessment of seismic site classification (SSC) using either the average shear wave velocity (VS30) or the average SPT-N values (N30) for upper 30 m in soils is the simplest method to carry out various studies including site response and soil-structure interactions. Either the VS30- or the N30-based SSC maps designed according to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) classification system are effectively used to predict possible locations for future seismic events. The main goal of this study is to generate maps using the Geographic Information System (GIS) for the SSC in Kahramanmaras city, influenced by both East Anatolian Fault and Dead Sea Fault Zones, using both VS30 and N30 values. The study also presents a series of GIS maps produced using the shear wave velocity (VS) and SPT-N values at the depths of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, and 25 m. Furthermore, the study estimates the bed rock level and generates the SSC maps for the average VS values through overburden soils by using the NEHRP system. The VS30 maps categorize the study area mainly under class C and limited number of areas under classes B and D, whereas the N30 maps classify the study area mainly under class D. Both maps indicate that the soil classes in the study area are different to a high extent. Eventually, the GIS maps complied for the purpose of urban development may be utilized effectively by engineers in the field.
Highlights
Seismic site classification (SSC), which defines engineering properties of the soils by means of VS or SPT-N values, is the simplest method to consider the site effects for numerous purposes including engineering projects and microzonation studies [1]
No studies using SPT-N values have been performed in the city and vicinity area, little efforts have been made using VS30 values obtained in the city centre [8]
Variations in the soil classification have been investigated at the depths of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, and 25 m by producing Geographic Information System (GIS) maps for both the VS and SPT-N values obtained in the study area. e subsoil exploration has been conducted by means of seismic surface wave techniques (Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves, MASW, and Microtremor Array Measurements, MAM) at 287 boreholes in 98 sites. e GIS maps of both weathered and engineering bed rock levels and average VS in overburden soils have been produced for further studies. e present study is thought to be the first investigation carried out to estimate the SSC using both VS30 and N30 values in the study area
Summary
Seismic site classification (SSC), which defines engineering properties of the soils by means of VS or SPT-N values, is the simplest method to consider the site effects for numerous purposes including engineering projects and microzonation studies [1]. Many classification systems utilize the SPT-N and VS values measured in upper 30 m to provide an SSC assessment [2,3,4]. Variations in the soil classification have been investigated at the depths of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, and 25 m by producing GIS maps for both the VS and SPT-N values obtained in the study area. E subsoil exploration has been conducted by means of seismic surface wave techniques (Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves, MASW, and Microtremor Array Measurements, MAM) at 287 boreholes in 98 sites. Variations in the soil classification have been investigated at the depths of 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, and 25 m by producing GIS maps for both the VS and SPT-N values obtained in the study area. e subsoil exploration has been conducted by means of seismic surface wave techniques (Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves, MASW, and Microtremor Array Measurements, MAM) at 287 boreholes in 98 sites. e GIS maps of both weathered and engineering bed rock levels and average VS in overburden soils have been produced for further studies. e present study is thought to be the first investigation carried out to estimate the SSC using both VS30 and N30 values in the study area
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