Constraints for the Vs profiles from engineering-geological qualitative characterization of shallow subsoil in seismic microzonation studies. Issue 161 (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Romagnoli, Gino; Tarquini, Emanuele; Porchia, Attilio; Catalano, Stefano; Albarello, Dario; Moscatelli, Massimiliano
• Is Part Of: Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering. Issue 161(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Vs profiles -- Engineering-geological soil classification -- Seismic microzonation -- Local seismic response; Soil dynamics -- Periodicals; Earthquake engineering -- Periodicals; Sols -- Dynamique -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; 624.176205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2022.107347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0267-7261

Abstract

Abstract: A statistical analysis has been performed aiming at determining to what extent a qualitative engineering-geological characterization of subsoil may provide constraints to the shear wave velocity (Vs) profile. For this purpose, a large database of experimental values provided by seismic microzonation studies carried out in the last 10 years in Italy has been considered. This analysis suggests that statistical constraints can be provided to Vs values as a function of depth by considering main lithological characteristics of cover terrains and geological bedrock. The effectiveness and unbiasedness of resulting relationships are tested against some experimental situations. This information can be used to feed stochastic numerical simulations aiming at preliminary assessment of probability distribution of the expected seismic response in wide areas where an experimental geophysical/geotechnical characterization of the local subsoil is scarce or unavailable. Highlights: Statistical analysis of Vs values as a function of the lithological units and depth. In cover terrains the distribution of Vs values is a function of soil particle size. In geological bedrock the Vs values depend on weathering and fracturing of rocks. Our model constrains the Vs profile by knowing the engineering geological units. The results are useful to a preliminary estimation of seismic amplification effects.