In-situ measurements of seismic velocity at 19 locations in the Los Angeles, California, region
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Thomas E. Fumal
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In-situ measurements of seismic velocity at 27 locations in the Los Angeles, California region
Studies conducted in the San Francisco Bay Region (Gibbs, Fumal and Borcherdt, 1980) have shown that average shear-wave velocity can be readily tied to quantitative estimates of ground motion such as ground amplification and earthquake intensity. Furthermore, when certain physical properties of the geologic materials such as texture, hardness and fracture spacing are observed during geologic mapping, a method can be used to predict shear-wave velocity from the descriptions of geologic units. By measuring shear-wave velocities in key units together with the above data, regional maps depicting the earthquake shaking hazard can be compiled. The goals of the current program are to provide shear-wave data in the Los Angeles area to compare with that in the San Francisco Bay Region where high-strain intensity data are available. Data from twenty-seven locations are summarized in this report as part of a continuing project to seismically zone the Los Angeles area.
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Correlations between seismic wave velocities and physical properties of near-surface geologic materials in the southern San Francisco Bay region, California
To identify geologic units with distinctly different seismic responses for the purposes of seismic zonation, compressional and shear wave velocities have been measured in boreholes at 59 sites in the San Francisco Bay region in a wide range of near-surface (0-30m) geologic materials. Several physical parameters, which can be readily determined in the field, were found to correlate with the shear wave velocities and were used to define seismically distinct groups. For the unconsolidated to semiconsolidated sediments, texture, standard penetration resistance and depth were used to define eight seismically distinct groups. For the bedrock materials, fracture spacing and hardness were used to differentiate ten distinct categories. The correlation obtained between shear wave velocity and the physical parameters were used to regroup the map units defined for the San Francisco Bay region into seismically distinct units. The map units for the younger unconsolidated sediments can be really differentiated seismically. In contrast, the older semiconsolidated sedimentary deposits and bedrock units, which have experienced significant variations in post-depositial changes, show wider and overlapping velocity ranges. The map units for the sedimentary deposits have been regrouped into eight seismically distinct geotechnical units. The bedrock map units have been broadly regrouped into five distinct categories. Compressional wave velocities were not found to be well correlated with the physical parameters dependent on the soil or rock structure. For materials above the water table, the wide velocity variations found for each geotechnical group can be attributed to differences in degree of saturation. The strong correlations observed between shear wave velocity and other readily determine physical properties suggest that geologic maps which incorporate these parameters are most useful for seismic zonation.
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In-situ measurements of seismic velocities in the San Francisco Bay Region; part III
Seismic wave velocities (compressional and shear) are important parameters for estimating the seismic response characteristics of various geologic units when subjected to strong earthquake ground shaking. Seismic velocities of various units often show a strong correlation with the amounts of damage following large earthquakes and have been used as a basis for certain types of seismic zonation studies. In the current program seismic velocities have been measured at 59 locations 1n the San Francisco Bay Region. This report is the third in a series of Open-File Reports and describes the in-situ velocity measurements at locations 35-59. At each location seismic travel times are measured in drill holes, normally at 2.5-m intervals to a depth of 30 m. Geologic logs are determined from drill cuttings, undisturbed (cored) samples, and penetrometer samples. The data provide a detailed comparison of geologic and seismic characteristics and provide parameters for estimating strong earthquake ground motions quantitatively at each of the sites. A major emphasis of this program is to obtain a detailed comparison of geologic and seismic data on a regional scale for use in seismic zonation. There is a variety of geologic and seismic data available in the San Francisco Bay Region for use 1n developing the general zoning techniques which can then be applied to other areas. Shear wave velocities 1n near-surface geologic materials are of especial interest for engineering seismology and seismic zonation studies, yet in general, they are difficult to measure because of contamination by compressional waves. A comparison of various in-situ techniques by Warrick (1974) establishes the reliability of the method utilizing a "horizontal traction" source for sites underlain by bay mud and alluvium. Gibbs, and others (1975a) present data from 12 holes and establishes the reliability of the method for sites underlain by a variety of different rock units and suggest extending the measurements to a large number of sites. Data collected from the first 12 holes also provide an opportunity for developing a routine and efficient procedure for collection and reduction of the data. Gibbs and others (1975b) report preliminary comparisons of the data with the amplification data recorded from nuclear explosions, and the intensity data for the 1906 earthquake. These comparisons show that correlations exist between the three data sets. Average shear wave velocity in each geologic unit form the basis for the preliminary correlations, however, some of the geologic units (that is, granite and Franciscan Formation) exhibit a wide range of shear wave velocity. It is apparent that other factors must be considered in these units, perhaps near surface weathering or fracture spacing. Work is continuing in this area.
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In-situ measurements of seismic velocities in the San Francisco Bay region...Part II
Seismic wave velocities (compressional and shear) are important parameters for determining the seismic response characteristics of various geologic units when subjected to strong earthquake ground shaking. Seismic velocities of various units often show a strong correlation with the amounts of damage following large earthquakes and have been used as a basis for certain types of seismic zonation studies. Currently a program is in progress to measure seismic velocities in the San Francisco Bay region at an estimated 150 sites. At each site seismic travel times are measured in drill holes, normally at 2.5-m intervals to a depth of 30 m. Geologic logs are determined from drill hole cuttings, undisturbed samples, and penetrometer samples. The data provide a detailed comparison of geologic and seismic characteristics and provide parameters for estimating strong earthquake ground motions quantitatively at each of the site. A major emphasis of this program is to obtain a detailed comparison of geologic and seismic data on a regional scale for use in seismic zonation. The broad data base available in the San Francisco Bay region suggests using the area as a pilot area for the development of general techniques applicable to other areas.
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