The First Earthquake Site Assessments in Alberta, Canada

Author

Joseph J. Farrugia, The University of Western OntarioFollow

Degree

Master of Science

Program

Geophysics

Supervisor

Dr. Gail M. Atkinson

2nd Supervisor

Dr. Sheri Molnar

Joint Supervisor

Abstract

A thorough characterization of the site conditions at Alberta seismic stations is a vital component in assessing seismic hazard in the province. This thesis provides the first earthquake site characterizations in Alberta, including shear-wave velocity (V_S) depth profiles, estimates of the average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 m (V_S30) and peak frequency (f_peak), and their validation for prediction of earthquake site amplification. National Building Code of Canada site classes are limited to C and D based on V_S30 estimates, with D being the predominant site class. Three empirical site amplification functions are derived from microtremor and earthquake horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratios ( s) from 52 seismic stations in Alberta that can be correlated with surficial geology. Softer ground conditions are characteristic of the largest observed amplification ratios. I show that s derived from the microtremor survey method provide a valid measure of earthquake site amplification in Alberta's geologic setting.

Recommended Citation

Farrugia, Joseph J., "The First Earthquake Site Assessments in Alberta, Canada" (2017). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 4935.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/4935