Computing Green's Functions for the Seismic Response Analysis of Layered Earth Strata

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Engineering scientists have long been interested in calculating the dynamic loads acting in a solid of finite or infinite extent, with heterogeneous properties. This research program is a continuation of this effort with specific application to the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. In considering the propagation of seismic waves through the earth's crust, and of the resultant ground shaking at a particular constructed facility such as a dam or nuclear power plant, an attempt is made to take account of the earth's inhomogeneity; this however usually leads to severe analytical or computational difficulties. This research program will capitalize on a significant advance that the principal investigator has made in this regard, and will extend it to account for the layered stratification of the earth. The method is expected to be computationally efficient and will be of use in a wide range of earthquake engineering problems, such as the dynamic analysis of structural foundations and underground facilities. The principal investigator is recognized for his expertise in, and contribution to, this area of research. It is expected that the research will provide a significantly improved capability to include the effect of the earth's inhomogeneity on earthquake induced ground motion and the associated response of constructed facilities.