SCEC Award Number 20064 View PDF
Proposal Category Collaborative Proposal (Integration and Theory)
Proposal Title The Development of ground motion coherency models using deterministic broad-band earthquake simulations
Investigator(s)
Name Organization
Elnaz Seylabi University of Nevada, Reno David McCallen University of Nevada, Reno Arben Pitarka Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Other Participants One TBD Graduate Student
SCEC Priorities 4a, 4d, 4b SCEC Groups GM, EEII, CXM
Report Due Date 03/15/2021 Date Report Submitted 03/11/2021
Project Abstract
 We propose to study the effects of physical parameters, such as source properties, small-scale heterogeneity, signal frequency content, and separation distance, on spatial coherency of simulated ground motions for a series of scenario earthquakes on Hayward fault. Current understanding about ground motion coherency relies significantly on empirical models developed based on a few dense arrays and on simple analytical models with limited applicability. The outcome of this project will allow us to quantitatively assess the extent to which simulation-based coherency functions agree with existing models and determine the extent to which physical parameters affect such models at scales relevant to seismic hazard analysis of extended infrastructure systems. This in turn will allow us to develop physics-based coherency models for earthquake engineering applications.
Intellectual Merit The objectives of this project are aligned with SCEC research priorities, which are: (P4a) determining the relative role of crustal material heterogeneities and surface topography in controlling and bounding ground motions and (P4d) communicating the effects of physics-based hazard analysis with earthquake engineers. In terms of the outlined thematic areas, the objectives of this project are aligned with items 2 and 4, i.e., Understanding Earthquake Processes and Reducing Seismic Risks. Finally, this work is also aligned with research priorities of different SCEC working groups including Ground Motions (GM), Community Velocity Model (CVM) and Earthquake Engineering Implementation Interface (EEII).
Broader Impacts Developing physics-based coherency functions and their incorporation in stochastic ground motion models can improve such models’ predictive capability in short distances and facilitate further seismic performance assessment of distributed infrastructure.
Exemplary Figure Figure 4