Local site characteristics and earthquake ground motion parameters around the Nile River, south of Cairo, Egypt

Parameters related to local site conditions represent an essential information for earthquake hazard evaluation and seismic risk mitigation at any region. In this research, the authors determine the local site characteristics and seismic ground motions around the Nile River, south of Cairo City, Egypt. This area suffered from a moderate earthquake (Mw 5.8) on 12 October 1992 and influenced by a soil liquefaction. Furthermore, the area is covered by soft sediments with large thickness, which may amplify seismic waves and lead to more damage in the event of earthquakes occurrence. Microtremor survey was carried out at six liquefiable sites in the study area by array of seismic stations. The recorded data was analyzed by the Centerless Circular Array (CCA) method to infer the shear wave velocity (Vs). The dispersion curves yielded from this analysis cover frequency range from 2.3 to 13.5 Hz. An inversion process was applied to get the Vs profile. The obtained velocities were averaged at 30 m depth (Vs30) which in turn have been used for a soil classification and for calculating the bearing capacity of soil. The H/V spectral ratio method was used for an experimental estimation of the site predominant frequency and its corresponding amplitude of seismic waves. Moreover, seismic amplification was calculated using the shear wave velocities. The Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) and seismic intensity (MMI) were calculated for the October 12, 1992, earthquake. The results reveal Vs30 values from 170 to 240 m/s. Soil Class D is predominant in the study area. The amplification factor ranges from 2.5 to 4.5, corresponding to predominant frequency from 0.5 to 1.4 Hz. The allowable bearing capacity ranges from 0.7 to 1.0 Kg/cm2. The PGA at the surface ranges from 0.16 to 0.4 g. The calculated seismic intensity (MMI) ranges from VII to VIII which are the same with those observed during the 12 October 1992 earthquake. The parameters estimated in this research may effectively contribute to the earthquake risk reduction in the study area.

Automated summary

This research focuses on determining local site characteristics and seismic ground motions in a specific area around the Nile River, south of Cairo City, Egypt. The study includes a microtremor survey to infer shear wave velocity and analysis of dispersion curves to obtain Vs profiles. Inversion processes and spectral ratio methods were used to estimate soil class, seismic amplification, and predominant frequency. The calculated parameters contribute to earthquake risk reduction in the study area.