Work

Mapping 1D seismic amplification effects in the range of periods of engineering interest based on geological data

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Seismic risk estimates to define land policies and emergency plans aiming at reducing the impact of future earthquakes require regional scale seismic hazard assessment including site effects. To this purpose, a novel physically based procedure is proposed to constrain entity of 1D seismostratigraphical ground motion amplification effects based on geological information available at regional scale. In the study area, several morphostructural domains is identified at first along with the respective stratigraphic relationships. Within each domain, several formational units is determined and characterized in terms of prevailing lithology and thickness range. For each outcrop, a tentative stratigraphic log is reconstructed by an automatic GIS based procedure considering geometrical relationships between surrounding outcrops. These logs are parameterized in terms of seismic and geotechnical properties based on the results of a statistical analysis of data made available in Italy by seismic microzonation studies. Expected amplification effects are then computed for each log by equivalent-linear numerical simulations accounting for the reference hazard model and uncertainty affecting relevant parameters. In this way, each outcrop is characterized in terms of the expected amplification effect and respective uncertainty. Unbiasedness of the estimates provided for the Tuscany Region in Central Italy as concerns periods of main engineering interest (<0.8 s) has been assessed by comparing outcomes of the proposed procedure and those of detailed seismic microzonation studies available in the area. Due to inherent uncertainties, the proposed approach should not be considered as a substitute of detailed local studies. Anyway, it could be considered to provide ex-ante evaluations to be used as a reference for regional scale seismic hazard evaluations accounting for site effects and for a preliminary assessment of expected ground motion where more detailed local studies are not available.

Source: Engineering Geology

DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2024.107701

Authors: P. Pieruccini, P.L. Fantozzi, N. Carfagna, I. Gaudiosi, D. Albarello

Institutions: University of Turin, University of Siena, Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering, National Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Seismic Performance and Analysis

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,900

Funder: Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca