Seismic System Identification

Recent time earthquakes in densely populated areas led scientists' attention in the direction of more sophisticated seismic hazard prevention. Especially in urban areas, like the Vienna Basin, waves of moderate seismic events can be extensively amplified. The possibly increased exposure of local building structures to seismic events due to the so-called site-effects, led to a growing demand for a precise investigation of the real seismic vulnerability. The amplification of the structural response because of site-effects may go well beyond the provisions of local codes or standards.

The assessment of these effects can be helpful to get correct design input values and save considerable money in critical zones. For the large stock of existing Viennese structures the assessment of a realistic risk becomes essential and economically important.

Based on vibration tests, the response of the surrounding soil as well as the response of the structure is analysed. Several sophisticated methodologies are combined in order to generate a valid risk map of the region as well as an assessment of selected local conditions. The results should be combined into a microzonation study for Vienna.