The Effect of the Shear Wave Velocity of a Seismic Control Point on Site Response Analysis

In order to evaluate the effect of shear wave velocity of a seismic control point on site response analysis, one-dimensional equivalent linear site response analysis were performed on the model soil profile based on the results of a detailed site investigation of sedimentary layers at Incheon and Busan. The results of the analysis show that an increase of shear wave velocity on the seismic control point (base rock) results in an increase of acceleration in the soil layers. This was mainly due to an unclear definition of the seismic control point. For this reason, the Korean Seismic Design Standard requires a specific definition of the seismic control point, including spatial conditions and soil properties, similar to the MCE (Maximum Considered Earthquake) in FEMA 369.