NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Shear-Wave Velocity Compilation for Northridge Strong-Motion Recording Sites.
File
PB2006105481.pdf
Author(s)
Borcherdt, R. D.; Fumal, T. E.
Source
March 7, 2002, 20 p.
Identifying Number(s)
USGS/OFR-2002-107
Abstract
Borehole and other geotechnical information collected at the strong-motion recording sites of the Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994 provide an important new basis for the characterization of local site conditions. These geotechnical data, when combined with analysis of strong-motion recordings, provide an empirical basis to evaluate site coefficients used in current versions of U.S. building codes. Shear-wave-velocity estimates to a depth of 30 meters are derived for 176 strong-motion recording sites. The estimates are based on borehole shear-velocity logs, physical property logs, correlations with physical properties and digital geologic maps. Surface-wave velocity measurements and standard penetration data are compiled as additional constraints. These data as compiled from a variety of databases are presented via GIS maps and corresponding tables to facilitate use by other investigators.
Keywords
Evaluation; Geology; Seismic waves; California; Northridge (California); Geographical information systems; Boreholes; Data compilation; Ground motion; Measurement; Velocity; Maps; Building codes; Earthquakes