Surface Level Synthetic Ground Motions for M7.6 2001 Gujarat Earthquake

Abstract

The 2001 Gujarat earthquake was one of the most destructive intraplate earthquakes ever recorded. It had a moment magnitude of M w 7.6 and had a maximum felt intensity of X on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. No strong ground motion records are available for this earthquake, barring PGA values recorded on structural response recorders at thirteen sites. In this paper, synthetic ground motions are generated at surface level using the stochastic finite-fault method. Available PGA data from thirteen stations are used to validate the synthetic ground motions. The validated methodology is extended to various sites in Gujarat. Response spectra of synthetic ground motions are compared with the prescribed spectra based on the seismic zonation given in the Indian seismic code of practice. Ground motion characteristics such as peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, frequency content, significant duration, and energy content of the ground motions are analyzed. Response spectra of ground motions for towns situated in the highest zone, seismic zone 5, exceeded the prescribed spectral acceleration of 0.9 g for the maximum considered earthquake. The response spectra for towns in seismic zone 5 exhibit peaks in the low period ranges, indicating high vulnerability of low rise structures designed as per the provisions of the Indian seismic code of practice. The response spectra for towns situated in seismic zone 3 were considerably lower than the prescribed maximum spectral acceleration of 0.4 g. The substantial damage reported in towns situated in seismic zone 3 is due to poor construction practices and non-compliance with provisions of seismic design standards.