Comparison of Invasive and Non-Invasive Methods in Site Response, Case Study: Soil Deposits of La Estrella

Abstract

A great part of the Colombian territory is under medium to high seismic hazard due to the complex tectonic condition, which in turn affects, particularly, areas where the population density is highest. A response spectrum analysis of the ground is currently required by seismic design codes for site response analysis. For this, the shear wave velocity (Vs) profile must be established. The use of seismic invasive methods such as Down Hole or Cross Hole for the determination of the shear wave velocity (Vs), has been typically recommended. In recent years, significant progress has been made in non-invasive seismic methods such as MasW (Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves) and ReMi (Refraction Microtremor), in order to estimate the Vs profile from surface waves analysis. Due to the accessibility and low cost, these methods represent a viable alternative to determine the profile of Vs. In this project, the seismic response of soil deposits was evaluated in the La Estrella municipality located in the south of The Aburrá Valley. One-dimensional (1D) models were simulated by characterizing the soil profile through the shear wave velocity with MasW and ReMi seismic tests. The results were compared with models based on shear wave characterization through Down Hole methods. The 1D response spectrums were determined with an equivalent linear model in DEEPSOIL and GTS NX software. The resulting spectra were compared through relative difference and correlation coefficient. Final results demonstrated that the spectra present low relative differences for long periods, moderate relative differences for moderate periods, and low to moderate relative differences for short periods. The general correlation coefficients were 0.6. This was evidence that non-invasive seismic methods allow an appropriate response spectrum analysis.