Increased seismic hazard in Barcelona (Spain) due to soil-building resonance effects

• Published in: Soil dynamics and earthquake engineering (1984) Vol. 117; pp. 245 - 250
• Main Authors: Pinzón, Luis A., Pujades, Luis G., Macau, Albert, Figueras, Sara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Barking Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aseismic buildings; Environmental risk; Fundamental periods; Geological hazards; H/V spectral ratios; Local seismic hazard; Microzonation; Resonance; Seismic hazard; Seismic resonance; Soil-structure interaction; Soils; Spain; Seismic resonance; Soil-structure interaction; Microzonation; Local seismic hazard; H/V spectral ratios; Fundamental periods
• ISSN: 0267-7261; 1879-341X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.soildyn.2018.11.022

In this study, previous microzonation studies in Barcelona (Spain) were revisited, and available data on the predominant periods of soils in the city were compiled to develop an updated microzonation map of the city. In addition, the building database was updated and used to create a map of building fundamental periods. The crossing of soil predominant period and building fundamental period maps led to the detection of areas in which resonance phenomena and, indeed, increased amplification of the structural response are expected. Thus, zones of Barcelona were identified in which the seismic hazard is probably greater due to resonance effects. The improved microzonation maps and the detection of soil-building resonance areas contribute significantly to enhanced precision and awareness of seismic hazard and risk in Barcelona. •Development of an updated, improved seismic microzonation map of Barcelona, based on the integration of existing data.•Construction of a fundamental period map of buildings in Barcelona.•Detection of soil-building resonance areas in Barcelona.