Site effects evaluation in Málaga city’s historical centre (Southern Spain)

In this paper we present a site effects analysis carried out in Málaga city’s historical centre (Southern Spain). Two different methodologies have been used: an experimental technique using ambient noise measurements and a 1D numerical method. Soil fundamental frequencies have been obtained from the first technique, and soil transfer functions have been calculated from the numerical methodology. In order to use these results in vulnerability studies, intensity increments for each type of soil have also been estimated. From this information, a seismic microzonation has been proposed for the city centre, classified in six types of soils. Soil fundamental frequencies vary between above 5.0Hz at the hills of the city (where rock arises on the surface), and 1.0Hz near Guadalmedina river. The results show regions with high intensity increments (ΔI = +1.5) corresponding to areas which suffered heavy damage in the 1680 earthquake (I max = VIII–IX). Moreover, most of the monuments and historical buildings in the city are located in these high risk areas. Results underline the importance of this kind of studies for seismic risk mitigation, historical preservation and emergency planning in the main cities’ historical centres.