| In this dissertation, a Geographic Information System (GIS) is developed for seismic hazard analysis of specific sites and extended geographic regions. To this end, a rigorous Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) methodology is implemented through a GIS for determining and displaying spatial distributions of expected earthquake motions and damage. The probabilistic analysis incorporates multiple source types, different attenuation models as well as modern deaggregation techniques for seismic hazard. Both deterministic and probabilistic analyses can be performed with the method based on geographic, seismological, and geological information provided by the GIS. The developed system is equipped with several user-friendly capabilities programmed especially for these analyses, such as interactive Graphic User Interfaces (GUI's) and on-line help windows.;Results are presented in terms of peak ground accelerations, spectral response parameters, and uniform hazard spectra. Using the kriging techniques of GIS, spatial distributions (in terms of contour and band plots) of the above parameters are generated. In addition, a methodology is presented for generating risk-consistent time histories based on existing earthquake records. Both frequency- and time-domain scaling procedures were developed to this end, in conjunction with one-dimensional soil amplification models to account for local soil effects. The system also provides a simplified damage estimation capability based on non-linear inelastic response analysis of simple oscillators. Finally, the controversial issue of seismic threat in New York City is presented as a case study, and important issues of the problem are highlighted. |
