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Shear-wave velocity compilation for Northridge strong-motion recording sites

April 1, 2002

Borehole and other geotechnical information collected at the strong-motion recording sites of the Northridge earthquake of January 17, 1994 provide an important new basis for the characterization of local site conditions. These geotechnical data, when combined with analysis of strong-motion recordings, provide an empirical basis to evaluate site coefficients used in current versions of US building codes. Shear-wave-velocity estimates to a depth of 30 meters are derived for 176 strong-motion recording sites. The estimates are based on borehole shear-velocity logs, physical property logs, correlations with physical properties and digital geologic maps. Surface-wave velocity measurements and standard penetration data are compiled as additional constraints. These data as compiled from a variety of databases are presented via GIS maps and corresponding tables to facilitate use by other investigators.

Publication Year 2002
Title Shear-wave velocity compilation for Northridge strong-motion recording sites
DOI 10.3133/ofr02107
Authors Roger D. Borcherdt, Thomas E. Fumal
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Open-File Report
Series Number 2002-107
Index ID ofr02107
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Earthquake Science Center