Impact of geometrical and mechanical characteristics on the spectral response of sediment-filled valleys

A comprehensive numerical analysis of the seismic response and site period of curved alluvial valleys was performed by taking into account the characteristics of sedimentary materials. This study presents a criterion as a combination of the three following geometrical and geotechnical characteristics of curved valleys in order to provide a simple method for code implementation of complex site effects: depth ratio, filling ratio and impedance ratio. The parametric studies were performed by a HYBRID program combining finite elements in the near field and boundary elements in the far field (FEM/BEM). The amplification patterns under above-mentioned characteristics were determined at the central point of valleys. The results are shown in the form of response spectra. Different impedance coefficients of materials were considered to evaluate effects resulting from combination with filling ratio and geometrical parameters. Finally, a criterion is proposed in terms of engineering applications to assess the spectral response at the surface of curved alluvial valleys.