Site classification of Pondicherry using shear-wave velocity and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio

Site classification studies play a vital role in earthquake hazard assessment since in situ ground conditions substantially affect the characteristics of incoming seismic waves during earthquakes. Flat areas along the coast and rivers generally consist of thick layers of soft clay and sand. Such deposits amplify certain frequencies of ground motion, thereby attributing to an increase in the damage due to an earthquake. Hence, site classification studies have been carried out using shear-wave velocity, ground response, and corresponding amplification at 83 locations in Pondicherry, a coastal city in India. The present study is aimed at estimating the shear-wave velocity through multichannel analysis of surface waves and to compute the average shear-wave velocity (VS30), stiffness, and N values using empirical relations. Further, site-response studies (horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio) were conducted to estimate the ground-response frequencies and corresponding amplifications through Nakamura technique. From the results, the study area was classified into three types, i.e., C-class: with VS30 in the range of 360–760 m/s, D-class: with VS30 in the range of 180–360 m/s, and E-class: with VS30 < 180 m/s following the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Programme norms (BSSC in NEHRP recommended provisions for seismic regulations for new buildings and other structures (FEMA 450), part 1: provisions. Building Seismic Safety Council for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, 2003). Finally, a site classification map for Pondicherry region has been prepared, which can be used in urban planning and strengthening of existing structures against future earthquakes.