Mapping Seismic Site Classes in Monterrey Metropolitan Area, northeast Mexico

• Published in: Boletín de la Sociedad Geológica Mexicana Vol. 60; no. 2; pp. 147 - 157
• Main Authors: Montalvo Arrieta, Juan C., Cavazos Tovar, Patricia, Navarro de León, Ignacio, Alva Niño, Efraín, Medina Barrera, Francisco
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sociedad Geológica Mexicana e Instituto de Geología de la UNAM 01.01.2008; Sociedad Geológica Mexicana, A.C
• Subjects: ARTÍCULOS; Geology; Geosciences, Multidisciplinary; microzonación sísmica; perfiles sísmicos de refracción; seismic refraction profiles; datos de pozos; seismic S-wave velocities; borehole data; seismic P-wave velocities; seismic microzonation; velocidades sísmicas de ondas S; Velocidades sísmicas de ondas P
• ISSN: 1405-3322; 1405-3322
• DOI: 10.18268/BSGM2008v60n2a1

A first microzonation map of seismic site class distribution in Monterrey Metropolitan area is presented. This was prepared using borehole information, seismic refraction profiling and surficial geology. According to geotechnical site categories proposed by Rodriguez-Mareket al. (2001) and NEHRP soil classification (VS30), C, C1-C2 sites classes are located to the south and central of the study area. In the northwest zone, B site classes are dominant. Lowest S-wave velocity (average of 268 m/s) correspond to silts, whereas highest velocities (average 2311 m/s) are related to Cretaceous limestones. Maximum thicknesses (16 to 20 m) of the soft sediments C-C2 classes are located at the center area being correlated to two paleo-channels. This study provides an initial attempt to understand and characterize the seismic site classes in the study area.