10CUEE CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS

10th International Conference on Urban Earthquake Engineering

March 1-2, 2013, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan

SIMULATION OF STOCHASTIC GROUND MOTION WITH SITE CORRECTION USING

EQUIVALENT-LINEAR METHOD AT TAIPEI BASIN DOWNHOLE ARRAYS

Saifuddin1), Kuo-Liang Wen2), Jyun-Yan Huang3), and Hsien-Jen Chiang4)

1) Master student, Department of Earth Sciences, National Central University, Taiwan (R.O.C)
2) Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, National Central University, Taiwan (R.O.C)
3) PhD student, Department of Earth Sciences, National Central University, Taiwan (R.O.C)
4) Post-Doctoral student, Department of Earth Sciences, National Central University, Taiwan (R.O.C)
100622601@cc.ncu.edu.tw, wenkl@earth.ncu.edu.tw, 986402005@cc.ncu.edu.tw, s1642006@cc.ncu.edu.tw

Abstract: Attenuation relationship (peak ground acceleration, PGA) is widely used by engineers in seismic hazard
estimation studies. This study was conducted by combining stochastic point-source (Boore 2003) and equivalent-linear
(Idriss and Sun 1992) methods to simulate ground motion, and compared the results to attenuation relationship. The
stochastic method was performed to obtain simulated waveforms in rock site (TAP086 station) near of Wuku downhole
and Wuku downhole. It showed decent results in rock site, while underestimated result in Wuku downhole. Simulated
waveforms in rock sites were used as input motions for site correction. Site correction was performed in Wuku downhole
using equivalent-linear method. Shear wave velocity profile (Wen et al. 1995 and Wang et al. 2004), geological soil
profile (Liu 1999) of Wuku downhole and input motions are required for equivalent-linear method to obtain simulated
waveforms in soil surface of Wuku downhole. Equivalent-linear method can assist to correct simulated PGAs and model
bias at Wuku downhole using simulated waveform at rock site as outcropping input motion.

1. INTRODUCTION 2. METHOD

Taipei city and several satellite cities are located in
Taipei basin. Taipei city is the political, economic, and
cultural center of Taiwan and demands serious attention to
seismic risk mitigation. Many earthquakes of moderate to
large magnitude (5.3≤ML≤7.3) occurred near the Taipei
metropolitan area since1659 from the limited historical
records (Huang et al. 2008). Several downhole stations were
installed in Taipei basin in order to study the basin effects
and seismic wave propagation to anticipate future large and
catastrophic earthquakes.
This study is conducted by combining stochastic
point-source (Boore 2003) and equivalent-linear (Idriss and
Sun 1992) methods to simulate ground motion at Taipei
downhole basin and compared the results to attenuation
relationship. Simulated waveforms in outcropping rock
(TAP086 station) are obtained using stochastic point-source
method. The simulated waveforms in outcropping rock are
used as input motion at basement of Wuku downhole
(679 m) to obtain simulated waveforms on surface using
equivalent-linear method (Figure 2). Equivalent-linear
method is performed for site correction in order to yield
decent simulated waveforms.
2.1 Data
Figure 1 shows earthquakes distribution and location
of TAP086 station and Wuku downhole. Seven earthquakes
with local magnitude ML=5.6-6.6 were selected based on
peak ground acceleration (PGA) in surface station of Wuku
downhole which had PGA more than 10 gal. EQ2, EQ4,
EQ5, EQ6 were located in northeastern Taiwan, while EQ1,
EQ3, and EQ7 were located in offshore. EQ1, EQ2, EQ4
and EQ7 were shallow earthquake (less 35 km) while EQ3,
EQ5 and EQ7 were deep earthquake (more than 35 km).
TAP086 (Vs30=942.80 m/s) is one of the closest stations of
class B to Wuku downhole about 18.57 km. Wuku downhole
has stations at 0, 30, 60, 90, 141 and 352 m. EQ1, EQ2, and
EQ3 were recorded at stations of 0, 30, 60, 90 and 141,
while EQ4, EQ5, EQ6, EQ7 were recorded at stations 0, 30,
60, 141, and 352 m.
2.2 Stochastic Point-Source Method (SMSIM)
SMSIM is simple and powerful method for simulating
high frequency ground motions is to combine parametric or
functional descriptions of the ground motion amplitude
spectrum with a random phase spectrum modified such that
the motion is distributed over a duration related to the
earthquake magnitude and to the distance from the source
(Boore 2003). Table 1 shows parameters for stochastic
point-source method.
SMSIM was performed to obtain simulated waveforms
at TAP086 station and Wuku downhole. Figure 5 shows that
15 seconds of selected S-window and this selected
waveform was transformed into Fourier amplitude spectrum
(FAS) for analysis of frequency range from 0.2-10 Hz.
2.3 Equivalent-Linear Method (SHAKE91)
SHAKE91 has been applied routinely in engineering
community to evaluate one-dimensional soil site response
and considers nonlinear site response. It showed decent
simulated waveforms for small and large input motion (Lee
et al. 2006).
Shear wave velocity of soil profile (Figure 3),
geological soil profile (Liu 1999) and input motion (Figure
6) are required for SHAKE91 to produce waveforms in
different layers or depths (Figure 7).
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION
In order to verify reliability of model and methods,
comparison of observed and simulated PGAs were
performed as well as the model bias which is formulated as:
𝐹𝐴𝑆𝑂
Model bias=log ( ) (1)
𝐹𝐴𝑆𝑆
𝐹𝐴𝑆𝑂 : Fourier amplitude spectrum of observed waveform
𝐹𝐴𝑆𝑆 : Fourier amplitude spectrum of simulated waveform
3.1 Verification on Artificial Layers of Wuku Downhole
Wuku downhole has depth 760 m. It was found that
the basement of Wuku area about 679 m (Wang et al. 2004).
This 679 m was divided into 50 artificial layers and each
layer is assumed to have shear modulus reduction and
damping factor of clay, sand or rock (Figure 4). To verify the
reliability of these artificial layers, observed waveforms at 0
m were used as input motion for SHAKE91 to obtain
simulated waveforms for different depths (Figure 8-12).
Figure 8 to 12 show decent result of PGAs comparison and
model bias for different depth.
3.2 Simulated Waveforms at Wuku Downhole Using
Observed Waveforms at TAP086 as Input Motion
for SHAKE91
Observed waveforms at TAP086 station were used as
outcropping input motion to simulate waveform at Wuku
downhole. Figure 13 shows decent comparison of PGA and
model bias, the PGA comparison close to target line with
average model bias 0.151 and 0.184 for east and north
component respectively.
3.3 Simulated Waveforms at TAP086 Station Using
SMSIM
SMSIM was performed to obtain simulated waveforms,
and compared against observed waveforms for EQ4, EQ5,
EQ6, and EQ7. Figure 14 shows that simulated and
observed PGA close to target line which shows a decent
result as well as model bias also shows a decent result by
having average model bias 0.111.
3.4 Simulated Waveforms at Wuku Downhole Using
SMSIM
SMSIM was performed to obtain simulated waveforms,
and compared against EQ1 to EQ7. Figure 15 shows that
simulated PGAs are generally underestimated to observed
PGAs as well as model bias from frequency 0.2 to 4 Hz and
the value of average model bias 0.290.
3.5 Simulated Waveforms at Wuku Downhole Using
SMSIM and SHAKE91
Simulated waveforms at TAP086 station were used as
input motion to simulate in surface station of Wuku
downhole. Figure 16 shows that comparison of simulated
and observed waveform close to target line as well as decent
model bias with value of average model bias 0.217. If
comparing to Figure 15, it showed that SHAKE91 can assist
to correct the simulated PGAs and model bias.
4. CONCLUSIONS
The artificial layers of Wuku downhole and Wuku
velocity structure are reliable which was showed by decent
comparison of observed and simulated waveforms and
model bias at different depths.
TAP086 records can be used as outcropping input
motion to simulate waveform at Wuku downhole. Simulated
waveforms using SMSIM at TAP086 station showed decent
result.
Simulated waveforms using SMSIM at Wuku
downhole were underestimated compared to observed
waveforms.
SHAKE91 can assist to correct simulated PGAs and
model bias at Wuku downhole using simulated waveform at
TAP086 station as outcropping input motion.
Further study is required for other Taipei downhole
basin arrays, and compared the result to attenuation
relationship.
Acknowledgements:
The authors used the earthquake data from TSMIP and
earthquake downhole data from IES, Academia Sinica. This study
was supported by the National Science Council under grand
numbers, NSC101-2923-M-008-001 and
NSC102-2923-M-008-001. The authors would like to grateful to
David M. Boore for providing SMSIM program and I.M. Idriss and
J.I. Sun for providing SHAKE91 program.
References:
Boore, D.M. (2003), “Simulation of Ground Motion Using the
Stochastic Method,” Pure and Applied Geophysics 160(3),
635–676.
Huang, W.G., Huang, B.S., Chen, K.C., Liu, C.C., Lin, C.R., Tsao,
S.H., Hsieh, Y.C. and Chen, C.H. (2008), “Observations Using
 the Taipei Basin Broadband Downhole Seismic Network: The 290
26 December 2006, Pingtung Earthquake Doublet, Taiwan,”
TAO, 19(6), 761-766.
Idriss, I.M. and Sun, J.I. (1992), “A Computer Program for
Conducting Equivalent Linear Seismic Response Analyses of
Horizontally Layered Soil Deposits,” Center for Geotechnical
Modeling, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
University of California, Davis, California.
Lee, C.P., Tsai ,Y.B., and Wen, K.L. (2006), “Analysis of Nonlinear
Site Response Using the LSST Downhole Accelerometer Array
Data,” Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering 26(5),
435–460.
Liu, T.C. (1999), “Microzonation of Intensity and Construction of
GIS System in Taipei Basin”, Master Thesis of Institute of Civil
Engineering, National Taiwan University (in Chinese).
Sokolov, V., Loh, C.H., and Wen, K.L. (2001), “Site Dependent
Design Input Ground Motion Estimations for the Taipei Area: a
Probabilistic Approach,” Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics
16(2), 177-191.
Sokolov, V., Loh, C.H. and Jean,W.Y. (2006), “Strong Ground
Motion Source Scaling and Attenuation Models for Figure 1 Earthquake Distribution and Wuku (WK)
Earthquakes Located in Different Source Zones in Taiwan,” 4th Downhole and TAP086 Location
International Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Paper
No. 003.
Tsai, C.C.P. (1997), “Relationship of Seismic Source Scaling in the
Taiwan Region,” TAO, 8 (1), 49-68.
Wang, C.Y., Lee, Y.H., Ger, M.L., Chen,Y.L. (2004),
“Investigating Subsurface Structures and P- and S-wave
Velocities in the Taipei Basin,” TAO, 15(4), 609-627.
Wen, K.L., Fei, L.Y., Peng, H.Y. and Liu, C.C. (1995), “Site Effect
Analysis From the Record of the Wuku Downhole Array,” TAO,
6(2), 285-298.

Figure 2 Simulation Proses Using SMSIM at TAP086

(Red Square) and SHAKE91 at Wuku Downhole (Blue
square)

Figure 3 Average Shear Velocity of Wuku Area (Wen et

al. 1995) with Modification for 352-679 m (Wang et al.2004)
 (a)
(a)

(b)

Figure 4 (a) Normalized Shear Modulus, and (b)

Damping Factor Related to Strain for SHAKE91 (Default
from SHAKE91, Idriss and Sun 1992)
(b)
Figure 6 Input Motion for SHAKE91 at 0 m for EQ6: (a)
acceleration (b) FAS

(a) (a)

(b) (b)

Figure 5 Comparison of Observation and Simulation Figure 7 Comparison of Observation and Simulation
Using SMSIM (a) 15 Seconds of S-window (b) FAS and Using SHAKE91 at 60 m for EQ6: (a) Acceleration (b) FAS
Model Bias for EQ6 and Model Bias
 (a) (b)

Figure 9 Comparison of Observation and Simulation

Using SHAKE91 at 60 m: (a) PGA (b) Model Bias

(b)
Figure 8 Comparison of Observation and Simulation
Using SHAKE91 at 30 m: (a) PGA (b) Model Bias

(a)

(a) (b)
Figure 10 Comparison of Observation and Simulation Using
SHAKE91 at 90 m (a) PGA (b) Model Bias
 (a) (b)
Figure 12 Comparison of Observation and Simulation
Using SHAKE91 at 350 m (a) PGA (b) Model Bias

(b)
Figure 11 Comparison of Observation and Simulation Using
SHAKE91 at 140 m (a) PGA (b) Model Bias

(a)

(b)
(a)
Figure 13 Comparison of Observation and Simulation Using
Observed Waveform at TAP086 as Outcropping Input
Motion for SHAKE91 at 0 m Station of Wuku Downhole
(a) PGA (b) Model Bias
 (b)
(a) Figure 15 Comparison of Observation and Simulation
Using SMSIM at Wuku Downhole (a) PGA (b) Model Bias

(b)
Figure 14 Comparison of Observation and Simulation Using
SMSIM at TAP086 Station (a) PGA (b) Model Bias

(a)

(a) (b)
Figure 16 Comparison of Observation and Simulation Using
Simulated Waveform at TAP086 as Outcropping Input
Motion for SHAKE91 (a) PGA (b) Model Bias
Table 1 Parameters for SMSIM

Parameters Values
Stress Drop Northeastern Taiwan:
(bar) log(∆𝜎) = −3.3976 + 0.2292 log(𝑀0 ) ± 0.6177
(Tsai 1997)
Offshore:
∆𝜎 = 100 (Sokolov et al. 2006)
Shear Wave 3.2
Velocity
(km/s)
Density 2.7
(g/cm3)
Quality Shallow Earthquake:
Value 𝑄(𝑓) = 125𝑓 0.8
Deep Earthquake:
𝑄(𝑓) = 225𝑓 1.1 (Sokolov et al. 2001)
Geometrical 1/R for R<50 km
Spreading 1/R0 for 50 km ≤R<150 km
1/R0.5 for R≥150 km (Sokolov et al. 2001)
Kappa (sec) 0.05