Evidence of amplification effects in fault zone related to rock mass jointing

Abstract

Results of geological, geomechanical and seismometric investigations aiming at the analysis of the seismic response in a carbonate ridge of the Nera River valley (Central Apennines – Italy) are discussed. Geological and geomechanical surveys were aimed at defining the stratigraphic and structural setting of the outcropping formations and the jointing conditions of the rock mass. Velocimetric records of both ambient noise and small-magnitude earthquakes were analysed in order to identify amplification conditions. The analysis was carried out in the time domain, through directional energy evaluation, and in the frequency domain, through H/V spectral ratios and spectral ratios with respect to a reference station. A local amplification factor was estimated from Housner intensity. The study revealed a significant seismic amplification in a fault zone. This effect was observed in intensely jointed and mylonitic rock masses, located inside moderately jointed rock masses, and is the result of specific geometries and significant impedance contrasts. A map of fault zones prone to amplification of ground motion was constructed, taking into account the jointing conditions of the rock masses and the structural setting of the investigated ridge. The study relied on an integrated methodological approach, which combined the available data under union and intersection criteria.