A checking method for probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment: case studies on three cities

The conventional Cornell's source-based approach of probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment (PSHA) has been employed all around the world, whilst many studies often rely on the use of computer packages such as FRISK (McGuire FRISK-a computer program for seismic risk analysis. Open-File Report 78-1007, United States Geological Survey, Department of Interior, Washington 1978) and SEISRISK III (Bender and Perkins SEISRISK III-a computer program for seismic hazard estimation, Bulletin 1772. United States Geological Survey, Department of Interior, Washington 1987). A "black-box" syndrome may be resulted if the user of the software does not have another simple and robust PSHA method that can be used to make comparisons. An alternative method for PSHA, namely direct amplitude-based (DAB) approach, has been developed as a heuristic and efficient method enabling users to undertake their own sanity checks on outputs from computer packages. This paper experiments the application of the DAB approach for three cities in China, Iran, and India, respectively, and compares with documented results computed by the source-based approach. Several insights regarding the procedure of conducting PSHA have also been obtained, which could be useful for future seismic-hazard studies. © 2010 The Author(s).published_or_final_versionSpringer Open Choice, 21 Feb 201

A checking method for probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment: case studies on three cities

The conventional Cornell’s source-based approach of probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment (PSHA) has been employed all around the world, whilst many studies often rely on the use of computer packages such as FRISK (McGuire FRISK—a computer program for seismic risk analysis. Open-File Report 78-1007, United States Geological Survey, Department of Interior, Washington 1978) and SEISRISK III (Bender and Perkins SEISRISK III—a computer program for seismic hazard estimation, Bulletin 1772. United States Geological Survey, Department of Interior, Washington 1987). A ‘‘black-box’’ syndrome may be resulted if the user of the software does not have another simple and robust PSHA method that can be used to make comparisons. An alternative method for PSHA, namely direct amplitude-based (DAB) approach, has been developed as a heuristic and efficient method enabling users to undertake their own sanity checks on outputs from computer packages. This paper experiments the application of the DAB approach for three cities in China, Iran, and India, respectively, and compares with documented results computed by the source-based approach. Several insights regarding the procedure of conducting PSHA have also been obtained, which could be useful for future seismic-hazard studies

Protecting underground tunnel by rubber-soil mixtures

This paper presents a promising earthquake protection method by placing rubber-soil mixtures (RSM) around underground tunnels for absorbing vibration energy and exerting a function similar to that of a cushion. The validity of the method will be demonstrated by numerical simulations using various recorded earthquake ground motions. The use of scrap tires as the rubber material can provide an alternative way of consuming huge stockpiles of scrap tires from all over the world. Moreover, the low cost of this proposed method can greatly benefit developing countries where resources and technology are not adequate for earthquake mitigation using welldeveloped, yet expensive, techniques

Geotechnical seismic isolation by scrap tire-soil mixtures

Abstract not available

An alternative method for probabilistic seismic-hazard assessment: A case study of three cities

Abstract not available

Protecting low-to-medium-rise buildings by scrap tyre-soil mixtures

The stockpiling of scrap tyres is a significant threat to our environment and has been a hot topic amongst the engineering community which has been looking for long term viable solutions to the recycling and reuse of rubber. This paper proposes a new method of utilizing scrap tyres for applications in infrastructure protection forming part of the solution strategy. The method involves mixing scrap tyres with soil materials and placing the mixtures around building foundations, for vibration absorption. The potential of the proposed method will be demonstrated by numerical modelling to show its effectiveness and robustness as a means of protecting low-to-medium-rise buildings in an earthquake

An earthquake protection method by utilizing scrap tires

Abstract not available