Method for Calculating Seismic Hazard Curves in a Free-Field

Abstract

A method is proposed for calculating seismic hazard curves in a free-field. The applicability of the method is illustrated by a hypothetical situation characteristic to seismotectonic and ground conditions in platform areas: low local activity, proximity to a deep focal area, and a shallowly basement overlain by a consolidated soil profile. Presentation of the ground conditions by single parameter Vs30 (average velocity of transverse waves in upper 30 m of the soil profile) is not sufficient. Although such a description gives generally higher spectral amplitudes, it does not take into account amplification due to possible resonance phenomena; meanwhile, energy absorption in the soil profile due to inelastic behavior is ignored.