Horizontal To Vertical Spectral Ratio Curves Research Articles

Determination of NEHRP Site Class of Seismic Recording Stations in the Northwest Himalayas and Its Adjoining Area Using HVSR Method

Local site characteristics play an important role in controlling the damage pattern during earthquakes (EQs). These site characteristics may vary from simple to complex and can be estimated by various field tests. In addition, extended Nakamura’s method, which uses horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) based on available EQ records also available for site class (SC) determination. In this study, SCs for 90 recording stations which are maintained by Program for Excellence in Strong Motion Studies (PESMOS), located in the northwestern Himalayas and the adjoining areas are determined using extended Nakamura’s technique. Average HVSR curves obtained at majority of the recording stations are found matching with the existing literature. Predominant frequency (f peak) from average HVSR curve at each recording station is then used for the determination of SC. Original SC given by PESMOS is purely based on geology and not based on comprehensive soil investigation exercise. In this study, the SC, which is based on the average HVSR curves is found matching with SC given by PESMOS for a majority of recording stations. However, for considerable number of recording stations, a mismatch is also found which is consistent with the existing literature. In addition, SC based on National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) scheme is proposed based on f peak for all the 90 recording stations.

A STUDY OF MICROTREMOR HVSR IN THE RIO-ANTIRIO AREA, (GREECE)

Horizontal to Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method has been applied on ambient noise records at the Rio- Antirio area (central Greece). The dataset used was recorded during 7 days by 12 temporary seismic stations deployed in the area. The stations were laid out along a profile and their interval was approximately 500m. The main part of the processing was done using Geopsy software. The aim of this study was to estimate the fundamental frequency at the station sites and its variation with time and azimuth. The processing results showed that for most stations along the profile, the peaks of the HVSR curve are not strong enough and often there are, more than one, peaks, which seem to be persistent during the whole recording time. When taking the azimuth into account, some of the stations show dominant and persistent directions were the HVSR ratio is stronger, while it has been observed that this direction could vary for different frequency peaks of the same stations. Finally, the top sediment layer’s geometry and thickness were estimated using Vs velocity results from nearby crosshole measurements.

Study on the applicability of the microtremor HVSR method to support seismic microzonation in the town of Idrija (W Slovenia)

Abstract. The town of Idrija is located in an area with an increased seismic hazard in W Slovenia and is partly built on alluvial sediments or artificial mining and smelting deposits which can amplify seismic ground motion. There is a need to prepare a comprehensive seismic microzonation in the near future to support seismic hazard and risk assessment. To study the applicability of the microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method for this purpose, 70 free-field microtremor measurements were performed in a town area of 0.8 km2 with 50–200 m spacing between the points. The HVSR analysis has shown that it is possible to derive the sediments' resonance frequency at 48 points. With the remaining one third of the measurements, nearly flat HVSR curves were obtained, indicating a small or negligible impedance contrast with the seismological bedrock. The isofrequency (a range of 2.5–19.5 Hz) and the HVSR peak amplitude (a range of 3–6, with a few larger values) maps were prepared using the natural neighbor interpolation algorithm and compared with the geological map and the map of artificial deposits. Surprisingly no clear correlation was found between the distribution of resonance frequencies or peak amplitudes and the known extent of the supposed soft sediments or deposits. This can be explained by relatively well-compacted and rather stiff deposits and the complex geometry of sedimentary bodies. However, at several individual locations it was possible to correlate the shape and amplitude of the HVSR curve with the known geological structure and prominent site effects were established in different places. In given conditions (very limited free space and a high level of noise) it would be difficult to perform an active seismic refraction or MASW measurements to investigate the S-wave velocity profiles and the thickness of sediments in detail, which would be representative enough for microzonation purposes. The importance of the microtremor method is therefore even greater, because it enables a direct estimation of the resonance frequency without knowing the internal structure and physical properties of the shallow subsurface. The results of this study can be directly used in analyses of the possible occurrence of soil–structure resonance of individual buildings, including important cultural heritage mining and other structures protected by UNESCO. Another application of the derived free-field isofrequency map is to support soil classification according to the recent trends in building codes and to calibrate Vs profiles obtained from the microtremor array or geophysical measurements.

Characterizing Surface Geology, Liquefaction Potential, and Maximum Intensity in the Kachchh Seismic Zone, Western India, through Microtremor Analysis

Abstract This study presents results of microtremor analysis carried out over diverse geological formations and liquefaction sites in the Kachchh seismic zone of western India, which is host to the deadliest intraplate earthquake ( M w 7.7). Microtremors were recorded at 36 sites with single stations and 7 sites with an array. The microtremor array measurements were made using triangular arrays with sensors kept at 30–90 m radii. The Rayleigh‐wave velocities are estimated from the array data using high‐resolution frequency–wavenumber ( f ‐ k ) analysis, and the 1D shear‐wave velocity structure is determined by inversion. We found a good correlation between surface geology, resonant frequency and amplitude of the horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) curve, and shear‐wave velocity. The ground vulnerability index ( K g ) values in the liquefied areas are found to be higher than those in the adjacent areas devoid of liquefaction. Broad or multiple peaks in the HVSR curves and large variations in the shear‐velocity models could be attributable to the structural and tectonic complexity in the maximum intensity area. Further, our results show that the average fundamental frequencies are around 0.32 Hz for the Quaternary, 0.80 Hz for Tertiary, 1.8 Hz for Cretaceous, 1.8 Hz for Jurassic, and 2.3 Hz for the Deccan trap formations. The inverted S ‐wave velocity varies from 190 to 1350 m/s down to a depth of 200 m for the Quaternary, 220 to 680 m/s down to 100 m for Tertiary, 236 to 1160 m/s for Cretaceous, 670 to 1780 m/s for Jurassic, and 260 to 2440 m/s for the Deccan trap sites. The results of microtremor analysis corroborate the observations from the available geophysical, geological, and borehole data.

Long‐Period Amplification in Deep Alluvial Basins and Consequences for Site‐Specific Probabilistic Seismic‐Hazard Analysis: An Example from the Po Plain (Northern Italy)

This study deals with the impact of deep‐soil discontinuities on ground‐motion amplification in the Po alluvial basin (northern Italy), and consequently, on long‐period probabilistic seismic‐hazard analysis estimates. The focus is on Castelleone, where a seismic station of the Italian National Seismic Network has been deployed since 2009. To define a detailed shear‐wave velocity ( V S ) profile, extensive active and passive geophysical surveys were carried out. The active measurements included seismic profiles examined through standard refraction techniques and multichannel analysis of surface waves. The passive methods included ambient vibration measurements in both single and array configurations. In particular, three microtremor arrays with increasing apertures were performed to capture the experimental dispersion curve down to 0.2 Hz. The horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) showed two main peaks, at 0.17 and 0.70 Hz. A joint inversion of the experimental phase‐velocity dispersion and HVSR curves was performed to obtain the V S profile. The data show two main discontinuities at ∼160 and 1350 m in depth. According to the Italian and European seismic codes, the shallow V S discontinuity can be ascribed to the seismic bedrock (i.e., V S >800 m/s), whereas the deeper one is observed at the transition between Pliocene–Quaternary deposits and Miocene marls. Preliminary site‐specific seismic‐hazard analysis in terms of displacement response spectra for periods up to 10 s shows that neglecting the effects of the deeper discontinuity implies underestimation in hazard estimates of up to about 49% for mean return period (MRP) of 475 years and about 57% for MRP of 2475 years, with possible consequences regarding the design of very tall buildings and large bridges.

Assessment of a geological model by surface wave analyses

A set of horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) measurements, carried out in the Altavilla Milicia (Sicily) area, is analyzed to test a geological model of the area. Statistical techniques have been used in different stages of the data analysis, to optimize the reliability of the information extracted from geophysical measurements. In particular, cluster analysis algorithms have been implemented to select the time windows of the microseismic signal to be used for calculating the spectral ratio H/V and to identify sets of spectral ratio peaks likely caused by the same underground structures. Using results of reflection seismic lines, typical values of P-wave and S-wave velocity were estimated for each geological formation present in the area. These were used to narrow down the research space of parameters for the HVSR interpretation. MASW profiles have been carried out close to each HVSR measuring point, provided the parameters of the shallower layers for the HVSR models. MASW inversion has been constrained by extrapolating thicknesses from a known stratigraphic sequence. Preliminary 1D seismic models were obtained by adding deeper layers to models that resulted from MASW inversion. These justify the peaks of the HVSR curves due to layers deeper than MASW investigation depth. Furthermore, much deeper layers were included in the HVSR model, as suggested by geological setting and stratigraphic sequence. This choice was made considering that these latter layers do not generate other HVSR peaks and do not significantly affect the misfit. The starting models have been used to limit the starting research space for a more accurate interpretation, made considering the noise as a superposition of Rayleigh and Love waves. Results allowed to recognize four main seismic layers and to associate them to the main stratigraphic successions. The lateral correlation of seismic velocity models, joined with tectonic evidences, allowed to plot two geological sections, showing the main pattern of geological formations and tectonic structures.

Shear-wave velocity profiling according to three alternative approaches: A comparative case study

The paper intends to compare three different methodologies which can be used to analyze surface-wave propagation, thus eventually obtaining the vertical shear-wave velocity (VS) profile. The three presented methods (currently still quite unconventional) are characterized by different field procedures and data processing.The first methodology is a sort of evolution of the classical Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) here accomplished by jointly considering Rayleigh and Love waves (analyzed according to the Full Velocity Spectrum approach) and the Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR).The second method is based on the joint analysis of the HVSR curve together with the Rayleigh-wave dispersion determined via Miniature Array Analysis of Microtremors (MAAM), a passive methodology that relies on a small number (4 to 6) of vertical geophones deployed along a small circle (for the common near-surface application the radius usually ranges from 0.6 to 5m).Finally, the third considered approach is based on the active data acquired by a single 3-component geophone and relies on the joint inversion of the group-velocity spectra of the radial and vertical components of the Rayleigh waves, together with the Radial-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (RVSR).The results of the analyses performed while considering these approaches (completely different both in terms of field procedures and data analysis) appear extremely consistent thus mutually validating their performances.Pros and cons of each approach are summarized both in terms of computational aspects as well as with respect to practical considerations regarding the specific character of the pertinent field procedures.

Evaluation of local site effect in the western side of the Suez Canal area by applying H/V and MASW techniques

The soft sediments are one of the most important factors responsible for the amplification of the seismic ground motion in an area of study. Three components, single-station microtremor measurements were performed at 61 sites along the Suez Canal to estimate the fundamental frequencies of the soil and corresponding H/V amplitude ratios by using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method. We have applied the investigations of the shear wave velocity for supplementing the existing seismic microzonation of the Suez Canal. The multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) tests were done along the Suez Canal in the three cities, Suez, Ismailia, and Port Said using 24 channels digital engineering seismograph with 4.5 Hz geophones from September 2014 to January 2015 to get the shear wave velocity VS30. The SeisImager/SW software was used for analyzing the data, and 1D-shear wave velocity model have achieved for each site. The HVSR curves show that the fundamental frequency values are ranging from 0.57 to 1.08 Hz, and H/V amplitude ratios are ranging from 4.05 to 6.46. The average values of VS30 are (548, 301), (241, 319), (194, 110, 238) for Suez, Ismailia, and Port Said respectively. The average of shear wave velocity up to 30 m depth is estimated and used for site classification based on the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) classification. The majority of the sites was classified as Class D (stiff soil) except one site at Port Said city is classified as Class E (soft soils), and another site in the Suez city is classified as Class C (hard rock).

A Study of Geological Formation on Different Sites in Batu Pahat, Malaysia Based On HVSR Method Using Microtremor Measurement

Geological formation is a one of information need to know during site reconnaissance. Conventional method like borehole has been known is very accurate to identify the formation of geology of a site. However, the problem of this technique is very expensive and not economical for large area. In the last decade, microtremor measurement has been introduced as an alternative technique and widely used in the geological formation study. Therefore, the aim in this study is to determine the geological formation underneath of surface in Batu Pahat district using microtremor measurement. There are two parameters have been carried out from microtremor measurement in term of natural frequency and HVSR curves images. Microtremor measurements are done conducted at 15 sites surrounding of Batu Pahat. Horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method was used for analyzing microtermor measurement data, to determine the natural frequency and also HVSR curves image. In this study, values of natural frequencies are used to classify the soil types with range in the between 0.93 to 5.35 Hz, meanwhile the pattern of HVSR curve images has been shown exists a few groups of soil types surrounding Batu Pahat district. Hence, microtremor measurement indirectly can be used as a one technique to add value in the site reconnaissance in the future.

Investigation of the buried structure of the Volturara Irpina Basin (southern Italy) by microtremor and gravimetric data

We investigated the structure of the Volturara Irpina Plain, a small intra-mountain basin in southern Italy. Microtremor Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) measurements were performed on a 50-point grid across the plain, and contour maps of the peak frequencies and maximum amplitudes of the HVSR curves were constructed. In the deepest part of the plain, the fundamental resonance frequencies were 0.8 Hz to 0.9 Hz. Assuming that the HVSR peak frequencies interpret the fundamental resonance frequencies, and taking into account the shear-wave velocity–depth relationship derived from down-hole data, a first thickness–frequency relationship for the plain was estimated. The sediment thickness corresponds to the depth from the ground surface of the seismic basement. A power-law thickness–frequency relationship was also derived through nonlinear regression fitting of the borehole data that intercepted the bedrock. Finally, the contour map of the depth of the seismic basement was constructed by averaging the thickness estimates from the two different approaches. Gravity measurements were also acquired on a 54-point grid across the plain, most of which coincided with microtremor stations. From these data, the Bouguer gravity anomaly was computed with reference to the 1980 Ellipsoid, and using a density of 2670kg/m3, we propose a three-dimensional interpretation of the buried structure of the plain that is mainly formed by three overlapped layers. The separately obtained microtremor and gravity results were also compared, using constraints from the drillings. Thus, we interpret the first layer as Plio-Pleistocenic sediments mostly composed of clay, silty clay, and gravel. The underlying basement has maximum depth ~500m below ground level (altitude, ~200m a.s.l.), and corresponds to Mesozoic carbonate rocks. These rocks are nonhomogeneous, with an upper, less compact, layer formed by unstable rocks with clay, or fractured rocks with water circulation. This is typical for karst basins, such as Volturara Irpina Plain. The deepest stratum recognized by gravity inversion corresponds to the densest and most compact carbonate rocks that form the surrounding mountains, with average density of 2600kg/m3 to 2700kg/m3. These rocks arise at the edges of the plain, which explains the highest HVSR amplitudes in these zones, which are interpreted as strong impedance contrast at depth. Conversely, we obtained complex HVSR curves when irregular discontinuity surfaces were recognized in the subsoil by the gravity inversion.

Selection of Time Windows in the Horizontal‐to‐Vertical Noise Spectral Ratio by Means of Cluster Analysis

The selection of the elementary analysis windows in continuous noise recordings for optimal estimation of the mean horizontal‐to‐vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) curve is generally performed by visual inspection of HVSR curves considered as functions of time. Starting from full‐length records, HVSR curves are determined in consecutive time windows of appropriate lengths. Time windows with HVSR curves that are anomalous on the basis of a simple visual inspection are generally ignored in the computation of the average HVSR curve. It is often very difficult to optimize the selection of time windows to be used for the calculation of the HVSR curve representative of a site. The use of nonobjective selection criteria produces results which depend on personal opinions of the operator and for which reliability cannot be assessed with quantitative parameters. We implemented an automatic procedure, based on cluster analysis, for the determination of the optimal window subset for the computation of the average HVSR curve. The procedure is based on the application of the agglomerative hierarchical clustering, using a measure of proximity of the standard correlation between HVSR curves and, as a rule for merging clusters, the average linking criterion. The procedure has been applied to 814 measures of seismic noise, carried out for the first‐level microzonation of 20 municipalities of Eastern Sicily characterized by high seismic hazard. A critical comparison of the results obtained by the clustering procedure implemented with those previously obtained by processing the same recordings with a technique based on the visual comparison of the spectral ratios of all the analysis windows has shown that the automatic clustering procedure seems to be capable of achieving a better partitioning of a set of HVSR curves and thus provides effective help in the process of distinguishing between peaks mainly linked to the site effects and others mainly related to the source effects.

Seismic hazard evaluation in Anjar city area of western India: Microtremor array measurement

In western India during the Bhuj earthquake (Mw 7.6) on January 26, 2001, the Anjar City at ~30km southwest of Bhuj experienced three types of damage scenario: severely damaged, less damaged and non-damaged. Similar damage patterns were also observed for the 1819 (Mw 7.8) and the 1956 (Mw 6.0) earthquakes. Microtremor array measurements were conducted in and around the Anjar city to examine the strength of soil structures and damage pattern. Significant differences are observed in frequencies and amplitudes in horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) using microtremor measurements. The severely- damaged site shows two peak amplitudes: 2.8 at 1.2Hz; and 4.0 at 8.0Hz. The less-damaged site also shows two amplitudes: 2.5 and 2.1 at 1.4Hz; and 2.0Hz, respectively. The non-damaged site, on the other hand, shows that the HVSR curves become almost flatter. Similar results for three types of damage scenario based on analyses of earthquake records are also observed for the study area. The microtremor array measurements has revealed shear wave velocity Vs≥400m/s at 18m depth in the non-damaged, at 40m in the less-damaged and at 60m depth in the severely-damaged sites. The site amplitudes and the Vs values show a good correlation with the soil characteristics and damage pattern, suggesting that strength of soil layers at varying depths is a dictating factor for the estimate of the earthquake risk evaluation of the area under study.

Estimation of Site Dynamic Characteristics from Ambient Noise Measurements Using HVSR Method in Microzonation Study: Senggarang, Batu Pahat, Malaysia

Site dynamic characteristics evaluation of fundamental ground frequency, Fo and amplification factor, Ao in Senggarang region were presented in 2D and 3D contour maps (microzonation maps) based on the ambient noise measurements carried out using Lennartz 1 Hz tri-axial seismometer sensors. Reliability of Fo and Ao determined from the ambient noise technique has become the main key components in seismic hazard analysis, resonance effect assessment, predictions of sedimentary layer and shear wave velocity, through cheaper, non-destructive and quick methodology. 73 points of ambient noise records were analyzed using Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio (HVSR) method in the boundary area of 800 m x 800 m with the grid spacing of 100 m x 100 m. Significant peaks of mean HVSR curves were checked against the criterions proposed by the SESAME guideline. Slight difference of the Fo contours pattern between the North-South (NS) and the East-West (EW) directions was observed, but vice versa to the Ao contours between both directions. Significant peaks of Fo values were distributed from 1.61 to 6.35 Hz, whereas the Ao values were found from 3.18 to 9.39. Wide gap between the ranges of Fo and Ao in respective direction have shown to the variation of sediment thicknesses. Meanwhile, dominance shape of significant peak from the HVSR curves may indicate to a large velocity contrast presence underneath the ground surfaces.

Investigation of dynamically compacted ground by HVSR-based approach

This paper proposes a HVSR (horizontal to vertical spectral ratio)-based approach to assess a deep and dynamically compacted fill area in Western Sydney. In addition to recognizing that the predominant resonance peak of the HVSR curve is a reflection of the impedance contrast between the surface layers and bedrock, the present paper recognizes that the secondary resonance peaks of the curve at higher frequencies may reflect strong impedance contrast within surface layers. This concept has been applied to develop a methodology of HVSR-based approach relying on the measurement of the HVSR of microtremors at measuring stations, and calibration and verification by independent mechanical and MSOR (multichannel simulation with one receiver) tests. The use of MSOR tests is introduced in this paper to facilitate the calibration of the HVSR forward model, particularly in terms of providing information for the initial guess of the shear wave velocity, Vs, profile in the HVSR forward modelling. The present paper demonstrates the effective use of the HVSR-based approach to assess dynamic compaction in the gaps away from and not covered by the mechanical tests. The mapping between the depth of bedrock and the predominant resonance frequency is also extended to include the mapping of the depths of layers with strong impedance contrasts to the secondary resonance peaks, after the data have been verified by independent mechanical tests.

Investigation of Composite Compacted Ground Using Microtremors

AbstractThis paper presents an interesting and unique case study of a composite compacted site where the upper section of dynamically compacted material achieved in the first stage of compaction was subsequently removed, reinstated, and recompacted in lifts in the second stage using conventional roller compaction. Dynamic compaction was employed initially in this area because of the need to densify deep fill materials. Although a number of mechanical methods are already available for assessing deep compaction, it has been particularly rare to find a cost-effective method that can be applied to a deep and extensive compacted site. Noninvasive techniques based on measurement of the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) of ambient vibrations (microtremors) are proposed in this paper to assist in a pilot appraisal of this area, which occupies a part of a deep and laterally extensive compacted site. First, the key features of the measured HVSR curves were interpreted to give a preliminary insight into t...

Constraining site response and shallow geophysical structure by ambient noise measurements and 1D numerical simulations: the case of Grevena town (N. Greece)

A large number of earthquake studies using both empirical and theoretical approaches clearly depict the strong correlation of resulting damage and local geology. This correlation forms the scientific basis of the subsurface soil structure studies for site response evaluation, since adequate knowledge of the subsoil geotechnical and geophysical properties can lead to realistic seismic hazard estimation through appropriate modeling of strong seismic motion. In this framework, ambient noise analysis and one dimensional numerical simulation modeling have been performed for the town of Grevena (Northwestern Greece) in order to study both the subsurface soil structure, as well as its expected effect on seismic motions. The horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method was implemented on an almost uniform grid of 60 single station ambient noise measurements inside the urban area, while the noise array technique was applied at four selected sites of the study area. The HVSR curves show complex patterns, occasionally with double HVSR peak frequencies, with the higher one HVSR frequency showing a good correlation with the recent Holocene clay-dominant formation. Using these results, as well as information on surface geology and existing geotechnical data, a microzonation of the Grevena town is attempted, indicating zones of similar site response to ground motion. Numerical simulation of ambient noise with synthetic recordings suggests that the complex features observed in several HVSR curves could be attributed to the impedance contrast due to the quite shallow (Holocene clays to Pliocene–Pleistocene sands) and a deeper (Pliocene–Pleistocene sands to Oligocene–Miocene bedrock) sedimentary formation.

Reproduction of microseism H/V spectral features using a three-dimensional complex topographical model of the sediment-bedrock interface in the Osaka sedimentary basin

SUMMARY Estimating the velocity structure of microseisms based on the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) is an extremely practical means of modelling the subsurface structure necessary for strong ground motion predictions. Thus, beyond the traditional framework of the 1-D velocity structure, the HVSR, derived from observation records of microseisms (microtremors with a frequency of about 1 Hz or lower originating from ocean waves) in areas where the sediment-bedrock interface has irregular topographies, was reproduced by finite differential method (FDM)-based simulation. This study was conducted for the Osaka sedimentary basin, the sediment-bedrock interface of which is three-dimensionally complicated and contains grabens, steps and ramps, because high-precision models for this basin have been constructed based on a wide range of existing exploration information. The HVSRs of two components (the east–west direction and the north–south direction to the vertical direction) derived from the FDM simulations were both well reproduced in terms of not only the peak frequency (HVfp) but also the spectral curves for a number of observation sites above the sediment-bedrock interface with complex geological features. These results suggest that with a sufficient number of observation sites for microtremors and highly accurate a priori information on geophysical constants in the sedimentary layer that spatially serves as the reference, the irregular-shaped sediment-bedrock interface may be estimated based on how well the HVSR curves and the HVfp agree between the observations and simulations. Furthermore, the FDM simulations confirmed observed phenomena such as the polarization of the amplitude of horizontal motions and broad or ‘plateau-like’ HVSR peaks of microseisms in grabens and step structures. It was determined that the HVfps in areas with these strong irregularities are higher than the peak frequency of Rayleigh wave ellipticity for the fundamental mode (RHVfp) based on the 1-D velocity structure. In addition, there was a difference of about 20 per cent at most between the HVfp derived from FDM simulations and the RHVfp in areas where the depth of the sediment-bedrock interface varies only slightly.

Shear wave velocity structure of the İzmit Bay area (Turkey) estimated from active-passive array surface wave and single-station microtremor methods

SUMMARY To provide quantitative information on the shear wave velocity structure of the Izmit Bay area, we conduct active–passive array surface wave and single-station microtremor measurements at 60 sites. We process these array measurements to produce combined Rayleigh wave dispersion curves that span a broad-frequency range (0.5–20 Hz). We also make use of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) curves obtained from the single-station microtremor measurements to benefit from their close relation to the ellipticity of Rayleigh waves. Using the dispersion curve sensitivity to the absolute velocities and the shape of the HVSR curve sensitivity to the velocity contrasts of the velocity-depth model, we have applied a combined inversion technique to derive better constrained shear velocity models at each site. The derived shear velocity models are used to provide a Vs30 site classification map and information on the sediment-bedrock structure for the Izmit Bay area. The Vs30 map shows that the entire shoreline regions including artificial infill areas of the Izmit Bay have Vs30 values less than 200 m s−1, locally as low as 80 m s−1. The older sediment areas of the Izmit basin have Vs30 values ranging between 250 and 350 m s−1. The highest Vs30 values are associated with rock sites reaching about 950–1300 m s−1. We also present a high correlation between the Vs30 values and the phase velocity of Rayleigh wave corresponding to the 40 m wavelength (C40). The important implication of this correlation is that Vs30 may be estimated from C40 without inverting the dispersion curve. The inferred sediment-bedrock interface along a cross-section shows an antisymmetric V shaped basin with a sedimentary cover thickness reaching about 1200 m at the deepest part of the Izmit basin. This deepest part coincides in the map view where the North Anatolian fault zone crosses the basin in the east–west direction. The sedimentary cover thickness is found to be 750 m in the Golcuk–Derince basin.

Evidence of nonlinear site response in HVSR from SMART1 (Taiwan) data

Deamplification of strong motion and the increase of the effective period of soil deposits are typical nonlinear effects; we seek them in SMART1-array data by applying the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique. The recordings, from four soil and one rock stations, represent 23 earthquakes (ML 4.9–7.0); PGA varies between 20–260cm/s2. For each station, mean HVSR curves are calculated for two PGA ranges: <75cm/s2 and >100cm/s2 (weak and strong motion). At the soil stations, the “weak” (linear) and “strong” (nonlinear) responses are significantly different. Below 1–1.8Hz, the nonlinear response exceeds the linear one. Above 2Hz, the nonlinear response drops below the linear one and above 4–6Hz below unity (deamplification). From 10 to 16Hz, the two responses converge. One soil site shows significant negative correlation between resonance frequency and ground acceleration. Such behaviour agrees with other empirical studies and theoretical predictions. Our results imply that the HVSR technique is sensitive to ground-motion intensity and can be used to detect and study nonlinear site response.