Geomorphological Aspects of the Forming of Earthquake Intensity Effect in Highlands

Abstract

The analysis of the data of engineering macroseismic survey of the destructive earthquakes effect has shown that the degree of seismic effect is in close correlation with the features of geomorphological conditions. On the other hand, this relation is not simple. There can be vividly observed a multifactor phenomenon of correlation. The above-mentioned circumstance imposes certain (definite) restrictions on the direct use of the data of macroseismic survey, that is of superficial character to some extent. It occurs due to brief terms, given for direct study of various engineering-seismologic situations and reducing the analysis to the established or descriptive type. It leads to the urgency of sorting out the survey data on the basis of correcting information. Such approach allows to specify the reasons for changes of earthquake intensity in each particular case.

In the paper there are presented the main factors, that cause the damage of buildings and edifices. The roles of nonuniform deformations including strains have been shown in the formation of seismic effect.

There were given examples (Spitak earthquake, 1988; Racha earthquake,1991) of changes in the earthquake intensity effect, stipulated by the peculiarities of physicsmechanical characteristics of grounds-bases of buildings and edifices, by the type and structural features of the latter.