An exploration of incorporating site response into PSHA—Part I: Issues related to site response analysis methods

This paper presents a series of analyses for the evaluation of the ground response of two NEHRP class D sites, subjected to shaking by a large number of strong ground-motion records. The two investigated sites have very distinct profiles, but they are characterised by almost identical Vs30 values. The site response analyses are performed using various methods of analysis and input parameters in order to explore the sensitivity of the ground response estimates and to identify the dominating parameters. Equivalent linear analysis is performed using different sets of dynamic soil properties curves, while nonlinear analysis is performed using different target dynamic soil curves, viscous damping formulations and fitting procedures for the constitutive model parameters. Particular focus is given to the sensitivity of the response when soil sites are subjected to high-intensity shaking, a subject of particular interest when the prediction of surface ground motions with low annual probabilities of exceedance is the target of probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA). The site response analysis results of this paper are incorporated into the probabilistic framework of Bazzurro and Cornell [1] in our companion paper in order to assess their impact on the final soil surface hazard calculation.

► We evaluate the ground response of two NEHRP class D sites with distinct profiles. ► We explore the sensitivity of site response to various input parameters and calibration procedures. ► Both equivalent linear and nonlinear analyses are performed. ► A particular focus is given to high intensity shaking. ► Site response analysis results are incorporated into a PSHA in our companion paper.