Seismic site classification and amplification of shallow bedrock sites.

This study attempts to develop empirical correlations between average penetration resistance ([Formula: see text]), averaged velocities over depth up to bedrock depth ([Formula: see text]) and 30 m ([Formula: see text]) for shallow depth sites (having bedrock at a depth less than 25 m). A total of 63 shallow sites were assessed for penetration resistance values up to the bedrock from Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and dynamic soil property analysis, i.e., Shear Wave Velocity (VS) from Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves. The study shows that 30 m averaged shear wave velocities are more than the average velocity up to bedrock depth in shallow bedrock sites because of inclusion of rock site velocity. Furthermore, averaged SPT-N([Formula: see text]) and average VS ([Formula: see text]) up to bedrock depth were correlated with the 30 m average([Formula: see text]) values. This is the first attempt in developing empirical relationships of this kind for seismic site classification. These correlations can be made useful for seismic site classification of sites in regions with Standard Penetration Test (NSPT) values and limited VS values. Further surface and bedrock motion recordings of 12 selected KiK-net shallow depth sites were collected and amplifications were estimated with the respective peak ground acceleration, spectral acceleration and thereby related to the average shear wave velocity up to bedrock and 30 m. The results show that the amplification is better correlated to the [Formula: see text] than [Formula: see text] for shallow depth sites, and more data can be added to strengthen this correlation.

Pseudo-Spectral Damping Reduction Factors for the Himalayan Region Considering Recorded Ground-Motion Data.

Ground-motion prediction equations that are used to predict acceleration values are generally developed for a 5% viscous damping ratio. Special structures and structures that use damping devices may have damping ratios other than the conventionally used ratio of 5%. Hence, for such structures, the intensity measures predicted by conventional ground-motion prediction equations need to be converted to a particular level of damping using a damping reduction factor (DRF). DRF is the ratio of the spectral ordinate at 5% damping to the ordinate at a defined level of damping. In this study, the DRF has been defined using the spectral ordinate of pseudo-spectral acceleration and the effect of factors such as the duration of ground motion, magnitude, hypocenter distance, site classification, damping, and period are studied. In this study, an attempt has also been made to develop an empirical model for the DRF that is specifically applicable to the Himalayan region in terms of these predictor variables. A recorded earthquake with 410 horizontal motions was used, with data characterized by magnitudes ranging from 4 to 7.8 and hypocentral distances up to 520 km. The damping was varied from 0.5-30% and the period range considered was 0.02 to 10 s. The proposed model was compared and found to coincide well with models in the existing literature. The proposed model can be used to compute the DRF at any specific period, for any given value of predictor variables.

A pragmatic approach to study the groundwater quality suitability for domestic and agricultural usage, Saq aquifer, northwest of Saudi Arabia.

The present study deals with detailed hydrochemical assessment of groundwater within the Saq aquifer. The Saq aquifer which extends through the NW part of Saudi Arabia is one of the major sources of groundwater supply. Groundwater samples were collected from about 295 groundwater wells and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters such as electrical conductivity (EC), pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), CO3 (-), HCO3 (-), Cl(-), SO4 (2-), and NO3 (-). Groundwater in the area is slightly alkaline and hard in nature. Electrical conductivity (EC) varies between 284 and 9,902 µS/cm with an average value of 1,599.4 µS/cm. The groundwater is highly mineralized with approximately 30 % of the samples having major ion concentrations above the WHO permissible limits. The NO3 (-) concentration varies between 0.4 and 318.2 mg/l. The depth distribution of NO3 (-) concentration shows higher concentration at shallow depths with a gradual decrease at deeper depths. As far as drinking water quality criteria are concerned, study shows that about 33 % of samples are unfit for use. A detailed assessment of groundwater quality in relation to agriculture use reveals that 21 % samples are unsuitable for irrigation. Using Piper's classification, groundwater was classified into five different groups. Majority of the samples show Mix-Cl-SO4- and Na-Cl-types water. The abundances of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) over alkalis infer mixed type of groundwater facies and reverse exchange reactions. The groundwater has acquired unique chemical characteristics through prolonged rock-water interactions, percolation of irrigation return water, and reactions at vadose zone.