M. Rassem et al., ENGINEERING PERSPECTIVE FOR THE SEISMIC SITE RESPONSE OF ALLUVIAL VALLEYS, Earthquake engineering & structural dynamics, 26(4), 1997, pp. 477-493
The seismic site response of alluvial valleys with limited width is ev
aluated using three engineering models. The models are based on the on
e-dimensional, two-dimensional and the frame model approaches. The obj
ective is to analyse the effects of the main parameters governing surf
ace motions and provide engineering guidance for predicting them. The
limitations on the use of the one-dimensional model in site response e
valuation in valleys are pointed out. The frame model, which accounts
for the limited width of valley, gives response results that are in go
od agreement with the two-dimensional model results. It is found that
the effect of the two-dimensional amplification is significant over a
distance from the valley edges beyond which the response may be adequa
tely represented by one-dimensional analysis. The soil amplification v
aries depending on the soil type, site location relative to the valley
and the dominant period and amplitude of input rock record. (C) 1997
by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.