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Site condition investigation using horizontal to vertical spectral ratios of Iran strong motion data

  • Research Article - Solid Earth Sciences
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Abstract

In this study, horizontal to vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) have been calculated for strong ground motion data recorded by the Iran Strong Motion Network (ISMN). Then, a uniform and specific procedure is applied for selecting the peak amplitude (Apeak) and peak frequency (fpeak) of the average HVSR for each station in the database. Based on this procedure, Apeak and fpeak values were estimated at 502 stations of ISMN. Also, the relationships between HVSR parameters and time-averaged shear wave velocity in the upper 30 m (VS30) have been investigated and these relationships are presented for Iran. The results and uncertainties of these models are compared with other related studies conducted in Japan, North and Central America, as well as previous studies for Iran. Compared to other datasets, the VS30 model presented for Iran shows the highest VS30 values among all models. The equation developed in this study can be used to estimate VS30 at ISMN stations where there is no other site characteristics available. Therefore, the soil type can be classified according to the Standard No. 2800, which is useful in seismic design codes and other related studies.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Road, Housing and Urban Development Research Center, Tehran, Iran

    Attieh Eshaghi, Mohammad Pourmohammad Shahvar & Esmail Farzanegan

  2. BC Hydro, Burnaby, BC, Canada

    Behzad Hassani

Authors
  1. Attieh Eshaghi
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  2. Behzad Hassani
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  3. Mohammad Pourmohammad Shahvar
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  4. Esmail Farzanegan
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Correspondence to Attieh Eshaghi.

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Edited by Dr. Aybige Akinci (ASSOCIATE EDITOR) / Prof. Ramón Zuńiga (CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF).

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Eshaghi, A., Hassani, B., Pourmohammad Shahvar, M. et al. Site condition investigation using horizontal to vertical spectral ratios of Iran strong motion data. Acta Geophys. 71, 2049–2064 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-023-01091-8

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