Site effects for Geotechnical Engineers, case study at Parkway valley
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-28132014000200001Keywords:
site effects, seismology, geotechnical engineeringAbstract
An important object of study in geotechnical engineering is the interface between structures and soil. It is through this interface that earthquakes affect man-made structures. Thus, geotechnical engineering lies at the interface between seismology and structural dynamics. Ideally, experts from both fields should work together to estimate the maximum seismic demand that may affect a structure during its lifetime. This assessment must take into consideration site effects (the amplification of seismic waves due to the surface geology conditions at the site of interest). The estimation of site effects would be improved if the data used to design the foundation of the structure were considered. On the other side, geotechnical design would be enhanced if the uncertainties and limitations that affect site effect estimation were considered. The necessary feedback between seismology and engineering requires fostering the communication between disciplines and a better understanding of the way in which similar problems are attacked by our colleagues of the complementary discipline. This work aims to contribute to that exchange. The state of the practice of site effect estimation in seismology is presented. We address commonly used techniques used to assess site effects due to soft soil deposits from seismic records or ambient noise. In addition, 3-D simulations of site effects are discussed. The application of these methods is described using the small sedimentary basin of Parkway (New Zealand) as our example. Our main objective is to discuss the limitations and uncertainties associated to site effect estimation and their impact on the reliability of the structures we build. We hope to stimulate increased exchanges between seismology and geotechnical engineering.
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