ENGINEERING SEISMOLOGY

Dublin Descriptors provide a framework for defining the expected learning outcomes for students in the Engineering Seismology course:

1. Knowledge and Understanding

Students will have a thorough understanding of the principles of seismology, including the nature of seismic waves, ground motion analysis, and the impact of geological conditions on structural behavior during earthquakes. They will become familiar with design codes for construction and the methodologies used in seismic risk assessments.

2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding

Students will be able to apply their knowledge to analyze site-specific seismic response data. They will use seismology tools and software to conduct seismic analyses and evaluate site-specific seismic hazard.

3. Making Judgments

Students will be capable of making informed decisions regarding seismic hazard. Utilizing their knowledge, they will participate in the assessment of risks associated with seismic hazards and prioritize mitigation strategies based on scientific evidence.

4. Communication Skills

Students will effectively communicate complex concepts related to applied seismology to various stakeholders, including engineers, architects, and the public. They will be skilled in writing technical reports, delivering presentations, and engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration.

5. Learning Skills

Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in lifelong learning, keeping abreast of developments in seismology and earthquake engineering. They will be proficient in critical thinking and problem-solving, enabling them to adapt to evolving challenges in the field.

These descriptors ensure that students are well-prepared to tackle the complexities of applied seismology and contribute to the safety and resilience of structures in earthquake-prone areas.

Lectures and laboratories activities.

The class is delivered through lectures and laboratories activities. Through lectures, the students acquire the theoritical background, which they will apply during the laboratories activities to study cases by implementing Matlab code and by using open source softwares for the processing and interpretation of seismological data (ambient vibrations measurements, seismic catalogs and strong motion recordings).

Knowledge of physics, mathematics, physics of the Earth, geology and geophysics.

Mandatory

Earth’s structure and Earthquakes (background review): plates margins, forces driving plate tectonic motions, global seismicity, earthquakes classification based on depth, fault types, elastic rebound theory and relationship with earthquake recurrence, seismic moment, fault geometric notation (length, width, average displacement, fault area) and relationships with seismic moment, size of earthquakes: intensity versus magnitude scales.

Strong motion measurements: seismometers (velocimeter vs. accelerometer), data acquisition, strong motion processing. Ground motion parameters: amplitude parameters (peak acceleration, peak velocity and displacement), earthquake frequency content (Fourier transform versus response spectrum), earthquake duration, high frequency attenuation parameter k, ground motion prediction equation (GMPE).

Earthquakes and human society: earthquake prediction, forecasting and early warning. Seismic hazard and seismic risk: use of hazard and risk information, deterministic versus probabilistic hazard analysis, earthquake catalogs, seismic sources characterization, magnitude of completeness, magnitude-frequency distributions, probabilistic seismic hazard assessment and products, national and regional seismic classification.

Site specific seismic hazard assessment: basic knowledge on seismic waves (body waves and surface waves) and elastic constants, active and passive methods for site characterization, soil classification according to Eurocode8 and NTC, 1D-2D-3D seismic site effects, empirical methods for site response analysis based on ambient vibrations and earthquake recordings, linear and non-linear seismic site response, seismic site response numerical modeling from ground motion selection to output interpretation, earthquake induced phenomena: liquefaction and landslides.

Laboratory activity: strong motion processing using Matlab, seismic hazard computation using open source codes, ground motion selection with open source codes, application of empirical methods for site response with open source code, processing of active and passive recordings for site characterization with open source codes.

• Jack W. Baker, Brendon A. Bradley, Peter J. Stafford (2021) Seismic Hazard and Risk Analysis. Cambridge University press.

• Steven L. Kramer (1996) Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering. Prentice Hall civil engineering and engineering mechanics series.

• Stein, S., Wysession, M. (2003). An Introduction to Seismology, Earthquakes, and Earth Structure. Blackwell Publishing.

• Lay, T., Wallace, T.C. (1995). Modern Global Seismology. Academic Press

The examination is an oral test of about 30 minuts during which will be verified the level of knowledge and the level of understanding by the student on the theoretical and practical contents of the class. The student can choice the starting argument of the examination.

Learning assessment may also be carried out on-line, should the conditions require it. To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata — Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department (https://www.cinap.unict.it/content/referenti).

Explain the plate tectonic engine;

Explain how to use Gutenberg-Richter law to characterize the seismicity of an area;

Explain the difference between magnitude scale and macroseismic intensity;

Explain which are the main input data to assess seismic hazard;

Define an elastic response spectrum;

Differences between probabilistic and deterministic seismic hazard assessment;

Define the main ground shaking parameters;

Classify seismic events according to their depth;

Illustrate the relationships linking the seismic moment to the geometry of a fault.