Flexible multimethod approach for seismic site characterization

• Published in: Journal of seismology Vol. 26; no. 4; pp. 687 - 711
• Main Authors: Stephenson, William J., Yong, Alan, Martin, Antony
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-08-2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: American Recovery & Reinvestment Act 2009-US; Analysis; Arrays; Decision analysis; Drilling; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Earthquakes; Geology; Geophysics/Geodesy; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Hydrogeology; Logistics; Love waves; Methods; Original Article; Rayleigh waves; Rock; Rocks; Seismic refraction; Seismic velocities; Seismic waves; Seismology; Spectral analysis; Spectrum analysis; Structural Geology; Surface waves; Wave velocity; Best-practices; COSMOS guidelines; Earthquake site effects; Multimethod seismic site characterization
• ISSN: 1383-4649; 1573-157X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10950-022-10102-y

We describe the flexible multimethod seismic site characterization technique for obtaining shear-wave velocity (
V
S
) profiles and derivative information, such as the time-averaged
V
S
of the upper 30 m (
V
S30
). Simply stated, the multimethod approach relies on the application of multiple independent noninvasive site characterization acquisition and analysis techniques utilized in a flexible field-based approach through a decision process based on primary factors such as the investigator’s available equipment, field logistics (e.g., available array deployment space, urban versus rural), geologic setting, and funding among other primary factors. In a multimethod approach, sites ideally should be characterized using both active and passive noninvasive (i.e., no drilling and only minimal disturbance to the ground surface) methods. Almost without exception, we recommend the use of at least one active-source technique for analyzing surface waves, which in the current state of practice would include one or more of the following: spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW; commonly Rayleigh waves) and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW; Rayleigh and/or Love waves). In addition, passive-source microtremor array methods (MAMs) using linear (one-dimensional) and two-dimensional arrays may be appropriate or even required for characterizing a given site. Similarly, the microtremor horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (mHVSR) method thacan be valuable for identifying shallow rock sites. Finally, P- and SH-wave seismic refraction methods warrant consideration, especially at rock and shallow-rock sites.