Probabilistic seismic site coefficients of Korea

Abstract

The seismic site coefficients that are derived deterministically are most often used with probabilistically calculated ground motion parameter(s) determined from seismic hazard maps, thus ignoring the inherent incompatibility between two approaches. This paper applied a novel probabilistic seismic hazard analysis procedure that integrates the site response analysis module and developed probabilistically derived site coefficients that are compatible with the seismic hazard maps of Korea. The analysis method accounted for the uncertainty and variability of the soil properties by randomly selecting the site profiles and dynamic curves from an extensive database collected in Korea. The calculated coefficients were compared to those recommended in the Korean seismic design guideline. The comparisons indicate that the site coefficients recommended in the current design guideline are UBC based and are not suitable for soil profiles in Korea.