Seismic microzonation of the urban sector of the city of León, Nicaragua

Abstract

The main objectives of this research were to determine the seismic demand as well as to define the seismic microzonation in the urban sector of the city of Leon, this sector has about 173,866 inhabitants, this is the number of direct beneficiaries with the information produced in this research. In this research we used environmental vibration measurement (MHVSR), as well as surface wave measurement with the MASW active method. The empirical transfer functions(ETF) showed that the soils in the area vibrate with three modes, which vary their vibration period between the values To1=0.049 to 0.160 s, To2=0.161 to0.330 s and To3=0.331 to 0.969 s. In addition, based on the results of Vs30 and the RNC-07 the soils in the area can be classified as firm soils or moderately soft soil or as type II and III, respectively. The results of this research will be used to strengthen disaster mitigation against earthquakes in this city by being included in the Nicaraguan national construction regulations.