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Estimation of the soil parameters in Balçova region using multiple geophysical approach

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Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the soil properties in the research area by using various geophysical methods. Physical parameters determining soil characteristics give us a chance to approach how the soil behaves during an earthquake. Thus, precautions can be taken to minimize earthquake damage. Also, safe construction against earthquake effects is important. The studied area is a tectonically and geothermally active area. İzmir Fault zone is passing through the investigation area and trending E–W direction. To investigate soil parameters at this active tectonic region, microtremor method data were recorded and the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method at 27 profiles was implemented in the study area. Additionally, these methods were supported by the spatial auto correlation (SPAC) method in center spot. Shear wave velocities up to 30 m, soil classification according to the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP), site amplification, predominant site period, amplification factor, ground vulnerability index, and shear wave velocity changes up to 300 m were obtained by evaluating the data collected from the applied geophysical methods. VS30 values varied between 700 and 1100 m/s in the southernmost part of the study area, corresponding to a C and B type as soil classification. While the predominant period values were taken as the lowest value of 0.2 s, it was observed to increase up to 5.5 s on the alluvial unit in the northern parts of the study area. The ground vulnerability index, which is directly related to the probability of earthquake damage, was found to be quite high in some parts of the study area. In this paper, we propose microzonation maps for the Balçova district, based on the variation of the soil dynamic parameters.

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Acknowledgments

The MASW and microtremor data which was used in this research were financially supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK - Project No. 106G159). The authors would like to thank all those who contributed to the project. We thank the editor in chief (Dr. R. Ulusay) and two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments that greatly improved the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geophysical Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Dokuz Eylül University, 35390, Izmir, Turkey

    Aykut Tunçel

  2. Aegean Implementation and Research Center, Dokuz Eylül University, 35430, Izmir, Turkey

    Özkan Cevdet Özdağ

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  1. Aykut Tunçel
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Correspondence to Aykut Tunçel.

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Tunçel, A., Özdağ, Ö.C. Estimation of the soil parameters in Balçova region using multiple geophysical approach. Bull Eng Geol Environ 79, 5095–5106 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-020-01908-6

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