Uncertainties in the estimation of characteristic site period of sloping terrains
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-28132017000100005Keywords:
characteristic site period, sloping terrains, seismic response, spectral ratio methodAbstract
The characteristic site period T0, is a widely used parameter to define the period of vibration in which a greater seismic amplification can be expected. For sloping terrain, unlike what is seen with horizontal terrain, the seismic response requires at least a twodimensional analysis to determine T0. Though the literature on the seismic behaviour of sloping terrain represents a solid basis for identifying some of the variables involved in the soil response, there are currently no unified criteria regarding an analytical or experimental evaluation of the characteristic site periodfor sloping terrain. The present study aims to use the finite elements method to conduct a 2D parametric analysis of the seismic response of terrain with a slope of above 15°, in order to identify its characteristic free-field period. In addition, different measurements were taken using the HV spectral ratio method in a sloping terrain. These measurements were compared with the recorded response on the finite element parametric analysis. From the results, it is shown that any point on a sloping terrain features two amplification peaks, whose maximums are associated, independent of inclination angle of the terrain, with the same periods as any other point along the gradient of the terrain.
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