thumbnail

Estimation of ground motion parameters

Open-File Report 78-509
Prepared on behalf of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr78509

Links

  • More information: USGS Index Page (html)
  • Superseding Publications:
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Strong motion data from western North America for earthquakes of magnitude greater than 5 are examined to provide the basis for estimating peak acceleration, velocity, displacement, and duration as a function of distance for three magnitude classes. Data from the San Fernando earthquake are examined to assess the effects of associated structures and of geologic site conditions on peak recorded motions. Small but statistically significant differences are observed in peak values of horizontal acceleration, velocity, and displacement recorded on soil at the base of small structures compared with values recorded at the base of large structures. Values of peak horizontal acceleration recorded at soil sites in the San Fernando earthquake are not significantly different from the values recorded at rock sites, but values of peak horizontal velocity and displacement are significantly greater at soil sites than at rock sites. Three recently published relationships for predicting peak horizontal acceleration are compared and discussed. Considerations are reviewed relevant to ground motion predictions at close distances where there are insufficient recorded data points.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Estimation of ground motion parameters
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 78-509
DOI 10.3133/ofr78509
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Earthquake Science Center, Menlo Park Science Center
Description i, 38 p.; Figures
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details