Estimation of Ground Structure at USM using Microtremor Observation Technique

School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Engineering Campus, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

^* Corresponding author: kangchin91@gmail.com

Abstract

Determination of ground structure is important for seismic hazard analysis and earthquake design of structures. Different types of ground structure at site, depending on its profile of shear-wave velocity, will amplify seismic wave at different extents. Therefore, structures should be designed accordingly to withstand the expected surface ground motion considering seismic site amplification. Microtremor observations were conducted in this study due to its simplicity, less field effort and economy. Field measurement was carried out at two sites at Universiti Sains Malaysia Engineering Campus where the actual soil profiles were known from the existing borelog data. Two sizes of circular array formed by three three-component velocity sensors along the circumference of circle and a three-component velocity sensor at the center for each array were performed. The recorded data were analysed using Spatial Autocorrelation (SPAC) method. Shear wave velocity profile for the site was then estimated through inversion of phase velocity. To produce convincing estimation of ground structure, the horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectra at the center of the circular array was compared with the computed ellipticity of the fundamental mode of Rayleigh wave. The obtained results were also compared with the borelog data. The accuracy for the estimation of ground structure based on various microtremor array sizes and analysis techniques was assessed.