Estimation of site amplification functions in Gujarat region, India

Abstract

Site response in the Gujarat region is studied using local earthquake data recorded at 32 sites spread all over Gujarat region, India. Out of these 32 sites, 15 sites are located in Kachchh region, 8 in Saurashtra and 9 in mainland Gujarat region. These sites are underlain by different types of rocks/sediments of different ages. Out of 32 stations, 7 stations are on Quaternary deposits, 6 on Tertiary, 11 on Deccan, 3 on Jurassic, 3 on Cretaceous and 2 on Proterozoic rocks. The predominant frequencies at these sites depend strongly on the local geology. The average predominant frequencies of the sites on Quaternary sediments are 2.4 Hz, 5.3 Hz on Tertiary, 7.5 Hz on Jurassic, 7.2 Hz on Deccan, 4.6 Hz on Cretaceous and 7.5 Hz on Proterozoic formations. The average site amplification values at predominant frequencies are 3.7 for the sites of Quaternary deposits, 3.3 for Tertiary, 3.3 for Cretaceous rock, 4.2 for Deccan trap, 4.1 for Jurassic sites and 4.6 for Proterozoic. The damage to the houses during 2001 Bhuj earthquake is compared with the amplification at predominant frequencies at those sites. The spatial variation of predominant frequencies and the site amplifications at different frequencies corresponding to the natural frequencies of different storey buildings are studied, which will be useful in the evaluation of seismic hazard in the region.