Seismic response spectra in microzones of caracas including 1D, 2D and 3D site effects

Elastic response spectra were developed within the purposes of the Caracas Seismic Microzoning Project, on microzones of the Caracas Metropolitan Area, including detailed site effects to improve the seismic design, overcoming the code spectra. As its core an 1D site response parametric study was performed, as function of shallow ground stiffness and sediment thickness, relying on a local seismic hazard study, the geophysical deposit model and a particular geotechnical model as inputs. The spectra were grouped and validated by means of actual earthquake records, doing small corrections. Basin effects were added from a 2D response study of the area of the valley with larger sediments, undergone to 1967 earthquake, and were extended by means of a 3D study of seismic amplifications in the valley. 2D topographical effects were also estimated. We defined macrozones of diverse seismic hazard and microzones according to shallow ground, deposits and slopes, obtaining expected mean spectra with 1D-2D effects for them, valid for common constructions, which are smoothed for using in structural engineering; then modifications are added for essential and massive constructions.