Seismic Response and Vulnerability Evaluation of Jammu Region (Jammu and Kashmir)

Abstract

In this study, an attempt is made to generate hazard maps for the Jammu Region (JR) in Jammu and Kashmir in terms of surface peak ground acceleration ( $${\mathrm{PGA}}_{\mathrm{surface}}$$ ), liquefaction zonation, and vulnerability index ( $$K\mathrm{g}$$ ). To do this, the seismic response of 200 sites was examined, and amplification factors at 0.01 s, 0.2 s, 1 s, and 10 s were estimated based on site-specific $${\mathrm{PGA}}_{\mathrm{surface}}.$$ The calculated factor of safety from field approaches was normalised to produce an integrated liquefaction zonation map. Field data from geophysical testing was also used to generate a vulnerability distribution for the study area. According to the findings, the southern portion of the JR has young sediments and alluvium deposits, resulting in low shear wave velocity ( $${V}_{\mathrm{s}}$$ ) and very strong amplification. As a result, these sites are kept in high to very high vulnerable zones with $$\mathrm{Kg}$$ values of more than 35. This study provides a database for designers working on the construction, development, and expansion-related projects in J&K for developing any prospective earthquake-induced liquefaction mitigation strategies.