Multiscale Random Field-Based Shear Wave Velocity Mapping and Site Classification

The average shear-wave velocity in the first 30 m of subsoil, V_s30, is a key indicator of site response affecting the ground-motion amplification for many earthquake-engineering applications. It is, therefore, of great importance to estimate V_s30 accurately, especially for significant civil projects. This paper presents a framework that utilizes multiscale random field models incorporated with spatial dependence of soil properties to estimate V_s30 at any location neighboring measured data with the secondary information at hilly area (U.S. Geological Survey global V_s30 map that is generated based on the topographic slope). The capability to consistently refine and generate estimates across different scales, from regional scale all the way to local site-specific scale, makes the developed framework able to provide high resolution estimates within any specified regions. Monte Carlo simulations are performed and a multiresolution map of V_s30 at Suzhou site is generated. The new map then applied to site classification. Feasible results obtained.