Site Response Evaluation of Agartala City Using Geophysical and Geotechnical Data

Abstract

In this paper, the study addressed how the local geology and soil condition influences on incoming ground motion. Subsurface Geotechnical (SPT) and geophysical (MASW) data in 27 locations at Agartala city have been obtained and used to estimate the surface level response. The vulnerable seismic source (Sylhet fault) has been identified based on deterministic seismic hazard analysis (DSHA). The stochastic point source seismological model has been used to generate synthetic ground motion at 27 locations where MASW tests were conducted. The site response analyses have been performed using SHAKE2000.The results are presented in the form of contour maps in terms of PGA, amplification factor (AF) and spectral accelerations of periods (0.20sec, 1.0sec). The highest amplifications (2 to 3) were observed in the intermediate periods between 0.20 to 1.0sec ranges. However, the mean response spectrum has also been developed for both the rock and ground surface that has mean PGA 0.285g at rock and 0.35g at the surface. Further, the IS code and NEHRP provisions were compared with the mean surface level response spectrum. The IS code provision overestimates the mean response spectrum for all the periods except the periods from 0.26-0.42 sec. Based on the present study, the average shear wave velocity (Vs30=236±52 m/s) of Agartala actually falls a site class-D category (180 m/s <Vs30<360 m/s) as per NEHRP provisions and the design response spectrum has been developed. The developed site specific design response spectrum and other results would be very useful for city planners/designers and the Govt. for earthquake resistant design, city planning, also to identify vulnerable locations, structures suitability identification and also better disaster mitigation planning of the city area.