Site classification of Taiwan free-field strong-motion stations

Based on the available geologic and geomorphologic data, 708 Taiwan Strong-Motion Instrumentation Program (TSMIP) free-field strong-motion station sites are classified using a scheme compatible with the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) provisions. Results show that an extensive usage of geologic maps and geomorphologic data for site classification is satisfactory and is a quick and effective method for categorizing large numbers of strong-motion station sites. The response spectral shapes (RSS) method and the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method both provide good supplements for checking purposes. Field checks are definitely necessary, especially for sites located near geologic boundaries or geomorphologic boundaries. Final comments for each station site have been made after these checks. Some problematic sites do exist and are mentioned in the text. Data from these sites must only be used with care. To increase the accessibity of our results, we have developed a web-based query site at http://gis.geo.ncu.edu.tw/query/site/, and an appendix for site classification of the 708 TSMIP stations is given in the CD-ROM attached to this issue.