Seismic hazard assessment studies based on developed deterministic and probabilistic approaches for the central-east of Iran region

Abstract

PurposeThis Study aims to present the seismic hazard assessment of the earthquake-prone eastern of Iran that has become more important due to its growing economic importance. Many cities in this region have experienced life and financial losses due to major earthquakes in recent years. Thus, in this study the seismic hazard maps and curves, and site-specific spectrums were obtained by using probabilistic approaches for the region.Design/methodology/approachThe seismotectonic information, seismicity data and earthquake catalogues were gathered, main active seismic sources were identified and seismic zones were considered to cover the potential active seismic regions. The seismic model based on logic tree method used two seismic source models, two declustered catalogues, three choices for earthquake recurrence parameters and maximum considered earthquakes and four ground motion predicting (attenuation) models (GMPE).FindingsThe results showed a wide range of seismic hazards levels in the study region. The peak ground acceleration (PGAs) for 475 years returns period ranges between 0.1 g in the north-west part of the region with low seismic activity, to 0.52 g in the south-west part with high levels of seismicity. The PGAs for a 2,475-year period, also ranged from 0.12 to 0.80 g for the same regions. The computed hazard results were compared to the acceptable level of seismic hazard in the region based on Iran seismic code.Originality/valueA new probabilistic approach has been developed for obtaining seismic hazard maps and curves; these results would help engineers in design of earthquake-resistant structures.