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Modelling and assessment of earthquake ground response in areas characterised by a thick buried low-velocity layer

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Farrugia

    (University of Malta)

  • Pauline Galea

    (University of Malta)

  • Sebastiano D’Amico

    (University of Malta)

Abstract

It is known that local geology can alter the ground motion characteristics at a particular site. Whereas some sites are characterised by outcropping low-velocity layers, others might have buried ones of considerable thickness which might still be a cause of ground motion amplification. The Maltese islands (Central Mediterranean) provide a good case study for profiles with a buried low-velocity layer. Parts of the islands are characterised by Upper Coralline Limestone covering a soft Blue Clay layer of considerable thickness (up to 75 m). This gives rise to a velocity inversion and makes the travel-time average shear-wave velocity (VS) in the upper 30 m not suitable for seismic microzonation purposes. This study presents a comprehensive site response analysis for such areas. Previously obtained shear-wave velocity (VS) profiles were used as an input to the equivalent linear programme SHAKE2000. Maps of amplification factors and 5% damped elastic response spectra confirm that the clay, even when buried under a hard outcropping layer, can still produce significant amplifications at frequencies which are of engineering interest when considering the recent urbanisation patterns. Moreover, the suitability of the VS30 and the travel-time average shear-wave velocity till bedrock parameters as proxies for site response was investigated, with the results highlighting the inadequacy of these parameters for sites characterised by buried low-velocity layers and the necessity for site-specific response studies.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Farrugia & Pauline Galea & Sebastiano D’Amico, 2021. "Modelling and assessment of earthquake ground response in areas characterised by a thick buried low-velocity layer," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 105(1), pages 115-136, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:nathaz:v:105:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s11069-020-04298-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s11069-020-04298-w
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    Cited by:

    1. Martin Mazanec & Jan Valenta & Jiří Málek, 2024. "Does VS30 reflect seismic amplification? Observations from the West Bohemia Seismic Network," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 120(13), pages 12181-12202, October.
    2. Geoff Main & Ritienne Gauci & John A. Schembri & David K. Chester, 2022. "A multi-hazard historical catalogue for the city-island-state of Malta (Central Mediterranean)," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 114(1), pages 605-628, October.

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