Geotechnical Site Characterisation in the Umbria-Marche Area and Evaluation of Earthquake Site-Response

Abstract

In this research a site classification is proposed for the Umbria-Marche area (central Italy), based on geotechnical and geomorphological criteria. Two empirical techniques to evaluate site effects are used, namely the generalised spectral inversion, and the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio. The soil transfer functions obtained by the two techniques are compared in order to capture the features common to each class and verify the accuracy of the classification. We used strong ground motions recorded during the Umbria-Marche seismic sequence (September 1997-May 1998) and we selected 25 sites that were classified into four groups. The results of the empirical techniques have also been tested using theoretical 1-D or 2-D methods that are commonly used to simulate linear soil behaviour. The results, expressed in terms of amplitude transfer functions, are shown according to each soil class and confirm the consistency of the site characterisation. The empirical techniques are efficient in detecting the fundamental frequency of vibration but seldom the higher harmonics. Conversely, the peak amplitude of the transfer functions is not consistently determined, especially for sites located in deep sedimentary basins, where 2-D effects occur and simplified methods, such as the horizontal to vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) or 1-D theoretical models frequently fail. Significant amplifications are also found for 2-D rock structures such as rock crests or cliffs.