ICGEE-2020: International Conference on Geosciences and Earthquake Engineering, Challenges for Balkan Region

(ICGEE) Academy of Sciences of Albania, Tirana, November 26-28, 2020

SEISMIC MICROZONATION USING HVSR TECHNIQUE

CASE STUDY TIRANA CITY CENTER

Altin Karriqi1, Jeton Pekmezi, Ardit Hajrullai

Polytechnic University of Tirana

Faculty of Geology and Mining
Department of Earth Sciences, Group of Geophysics
 H/V Spectral Ratio
H/V Ratio, or ratio between Furier spectra of horizontal and vertical components of ambient
vibrations, is firstly used in early 70-s (Nogoshi & Igarashi, 1971; Kobayashi, 1980; Nakamura, 1989).

Use of ambient noise mainly was focused at seismic microzonation of cities, where two main
methodologies prevail: Standard Spectral Ratio (spectral ratio between a studied site and a reference
site) and H/V Ratio (horizontal and vertical spectral component ratio of a signal).

The second methodology, proposed firstly by Nogoshi et al. (1971) and later form
Nakamura (1989; 2000) found wide application in ambient noise studies. Another
application of ambient noises is recording the micro noise and, after data
processing, plotting S wave velocity profile. In late 90-ties, it was discussed and
later proved by field surveys the method of H/V curve inversion to evaluate S wave
velocities (Fah & Giardini., 2001; Arai & Tokimatsu, 2004). Today there are many
publications and field surveys done, so the method is not only refined but is
established like an effective method.
 Ambient Noise origin
2 main sources:
natural or anthropogenic
According to a large number of studies, ambient noise origin may be divided
schematically in (Claudet, 2004):

• Frequency< 0.5 Hz: caused from large scale meteorological and oceanic conditions;
• Frequency ~ 1 Hz: caused from wind effect and regional/ local meteorological
conditions;
• Frequency > 1 Hz: caused by human activity.

This is a schematic presentation which in general summarizes the results obtained by

studies performed for this purpose but however, it does not present a definitive rule.
 H/V spectral ratio single station method
According to this method, the horizontal (H) and vertical (V) components are recorded at the same time in a
surface point. H and V ratio shows a pick corresponding fundamental frequency of the site at the survey point
(f0 = Vs/4h). However, wave field is composed of volume waves and surface waves at undefined ratios.
In the first case (if wave field is predominated by volume waves) H/V ratio is defined mainly by S H waves
resonance that are moving up and down and vice versa inside the layer above the bedrock with a strong
velocity contrast.
On the other side, if wave front is predominated by Rayleigh surface waves, surveyed curves are defined by
theoretical ellipticity (vertical component SV and radial component P ratio) (Nogoshi & Igarashi, 1971; Fah &
Giardini, 2001).
Based on synthetic model data analysis, it is demonstrated that noise generated using occasionally sources
near surface gives H/V ratios with a clear pick near fundamental frequency of S waves when surface layers
have a strong velocity contrast with underlain layers.
Because her simplicity, ambient noise method may be used widely in seismic microzonation and site effect
studies. he main advantage of this method is the resonant frequency evaluation of sediments without having
prior information about geology or structure of S waves travel at depth.
 Criteria of high quality surveys
For a surveyed data to be considered with high quality, and also highly confident data, is
needed that the surveyed data fulfill some criteria that gives a preliminary evaluation
about survey quality. Those criteria are (SESAME, 2004):

Criteria for a confident H/V curve

Criteria for a clear pick of H/V curve
This instrument is composed of 3 high
resolution velocimetry electrodynamic
channels that are used for natural micro
tremors record (up to ± 1.5 mm/s) and 3
accelerometer channels. Velocimetry
channels may be adopted (from
manufacturer) for strong motion record
(up to ± 5 cm/sec.). Sensors are
oriented according to three orthogonal
directions (x, y, z) and transmits signal
at a digital record system with a low
noise level and a resolution not lower
than 23 bit. Also, an analog channel
records data from a GPS integrated
radio module.
Tirana City Center area studied with ambient vibration method and
geotechnical models. Red lines show boundaries of geotechnical models.

Geotechnical models of Tirana Center are extracted from Seismic

Microzonation of Tirana City project (Konomi et al., 1988; Koçiaj et al.,
1988). These models are: model I2b, model II2b, model III3b, model IV2b,
model IV3b, model V3b, model V4band model VI3b.

The selected models are evaluated like 4, 5 and 6 layers models. The
amplification is caused by Quaternary surficial layers 6.5 – 25 m of
thickness. For I2b model we have an evaluation of parameters because
this model cannot be parametrized for the fact that is laid at Lana River
bed and is considered a floated zone (Koçiaj et al., 1988).
Because of stiffness, wide spread and supposed considered thickness,
Neogene sedimentary strata’s are accepted like base rock. The Neogene
clay sedimentary strata are considered as basement rocks due to rock
hardness, wide spread and considerable assumed thickness.
Map of ambient noise survey points distribution at Tirana
City Center

Experimental surveys for:

• Day – Night diferences in curve shape

• Effect of structures on curve shape

• Repeated measurements on the same

station to establish the effect of
antropologic noise on curve shape
 Individualization of the model that contributes in resonant curves shape
For reliable results in site resonant frequency evaluation it is important that inverse control be done, namely generation of
theoretical curves of resonant frequencies using site model on that point of survey.
For this reason, we may use geotechnical data form Tirana City Microzonation Project (Konomi, et al., 1988; Koçiaj et al.,
1988), S waves velocities surveys using MASW and MAM methods (Duni, 2000 – 2009) and Vs evaluation using inversion
of ambient vibration data. We have considered some survey points at our area of interest as showed in Figure 5.18. Results
from this comparison are presented below:
Individualization of the model that contributes in resonant curves shape
 Results of data analysis
for ambient vibration
predominant frequency
in Tirana City Center

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMANDATIONS

Thank You!
BE SAFE!