EVALUATION OF SEISMIC GROUND MOTION IN COMPLEX SITES

An explicit finite element technique which has advantages of saving memory and time in computing is provided for evaluating seismic ground motion of complex sites in time domain. Its efficiency has been shown with some applications in seismic microzonation and engineering sites. From several case studies, it is found that not only surface topography but also complex underground geological structure should be included in analytical model for reasonable evaluation of ground motion; the surface waves may have an important effect on ground motion as well as body waves; the irregular interface of soil may bring out more complicated rocking of buildings