Dynamic Response of Shallow-Buried Tunnels Traversing High Loess Slopes

Considering the existence of numerous shallow-buried tunnels traversing high slopes in the loess area in western China and the fact of high seismic intensity there,we investigate the dynamic response rules of a shallow-buried loess tunnel and its slope under the action of seismic waves with different intensities.Through large-scale shaking table model tests,we successfully analyze the characteristics and process of the destabilization of tunnels and slopes,and propose valuable suggestions regarding the reinforcement parts of a tunnel for reducing seismic damage.The results show that the main seismic damage on a slope include the failure of the sliding surface between the top and foot and the stripping of the soil around the tunnel entrance,while the damage on a tunnel is mainly manifested as the seismic-induced subsidence at the portal section and the cracking deformation at the joint areas.Finally,we propose that the“staggered peak distribution”phenomenon of the maximum acceleration values at the vault and inverted arch area can be considered as a criterion indicating that the tunnel enters into the threshold of dynamic failure.

Study of the Evaluation Model of the Earthquake Influence Field in Yunnan

In this paper,we conducted a regression analysis of the intensity distribution data of 146 earthquakes( M ≥ 5. 0) which occurred in the period from 1900 to 2014. According to previous research,Yunnan is divided into 3 tectonic regions. Then we use the data of the isoseismic lines in these 3 regions to fit the intensity-attenuation model of each region.Since there were a few M ≥ 7. 0 earthquakes in this 114-year period,the fitted intensityattenuation model of the strong earthquakes would be random or uncertain. To solve this problem,we introduce the Rupture Scale relationship to limiting our fitted intensityattenuation model of strong earthquakes. We choose the empirical relationship of magnitude and rupture-scale,which was proposed by Li Zhonghua and Qin Jiazheng,to correct the size of the influence field estimated through our intensity-attenuation model.Comparing our intensity-attenuation models with the previous ones, we find that in a certain tectonic region,the intensity isoseismals estimated through our model have average minimum error with the real intensity isoseismal decided through field investigation.Therefore,it is more advisable to choose the small-scale zone for the intensity-attenuation evaluation.

Some Problems Related to the Construction of Groundwater Wells for Earthquake Monitoring

This paper discusses technical requirements for location selection,structure design,and drilling of groundwater monitoring wells for earthquake studies on the bases of national and earthquake-prediction specific technical standards as well as practical experience from construction of such wells.

Research on Frequency of the Aftershock Sequence of the Wenchuan Earthquake Based on Coseismic Coulomb Stress Change

By the aftershock frequency estimation method based on the calculation of coseismic static Coulomb stress changes and rate-and state-dependent fault constitutive law,we calculate the frequency of "direct "aftershocks of the Wenchuan earthquake related to coseismic static Coulomb stress changes in its aftershock zone and the areas nearby.It shows that the frequency is significantly lower than the truth in the main rupture zone,especially in the southern rupture zone,due to the decrease of stress level on the rupture plane of the main shock resulting from coseismic Coulomb stress change.The study also shows that the effect of the Coulomb stress change on the duration of aftershock activity is associated with the lower limit magnitude.The duration is about 15-16 months for aftershocks above ML4.0,and close to 60 months for aftershocks above ML3.5.In this period,the ratio of the"direct"aftershocks caused by coseismic Coulomb stress change ranges between 44.7% to48.6%,which suggests that,even in the "effective"period of coseismic Coulomb stress changes,about half of the aftershocks on the main shock rupture plane are independent of coseismic Coulomb stress changes.It is pointed out that those aftershocks may be related to the afterslip or the viscoelastic relaxation,which are time dependent cases.

A Discussion on Correlations of Plate Motion with Seismic Anisotropy and Stress Field in Plate Boundary Zones

In many parts of the global plates,including subduction zones,mid-ocean ridges and even the interior of the continental plates,seismic anisotropy has a certain correlation with image of absolute plate motion( APM),or is in accord with the predominant direction of the intraplate stress field. In our study,a statistical analysis is done on the correlations of plate motion with seismic anisotropy as well as a stress field within nine plate boundaries which contain major subduction zones in the globe. Results indicate that absolute or relative plate motion( RPM) controls the seismic anisotropy and stress field of the plate boundary,which is especially obvious for the RPM. It can also be inferred that the correlation of RPM is better than that of APM. Because of the complexity of subduction mechanism and diversity of controlling factors at plate boundaries containing subduction zones,the correlation becomes much complex. Sources of anisotropy at various depths show different characteristics,and stress state is controlled by many factors,thus further discussions on the correlations are required.

Comprehensive Research on Focal Mechanism Solutions in the Capital Circle Area of China

Comprehensive statistical analysis was performed on the basic features of focal mechanisms of 619 ML≥2. 0 earthquakes which occurred in the capital circle area from January 2002 to June 2010. By dividing the capital area into three studying regions based on regional tectonic characteristics,cluster analysis was conducted on the focal mechanisms of all subregions using the longest distance method in the statistical cluster analysis to study the characteristics of tectonic stress tensors. The result shows that dominant P-axis azimuth distribution is NNE-NEE and that of T-axis is NNW-NWW,most of the focal areas are controlled by a horizontal stress field and rupture is mainly of horizontal strike-slip. The maximum principal compression stress orientation is NE75° in the west,NE62° in the middle,and near EW in the east of the capital area. The regional tectonic stress field is characterized by horizontal compression.

Discrete Wavelet Multi-scale Decomposition of the Temporal Gravity Variations in North China

On the basis of the absolute and relative gravity observations in North China,spatial dynamic variation of regional gravity fields is obtained. A multi-scale decomposition technique is used to separate anomalies at different depths,and give some explanation to gravity variation at different time space scales. Gravity variation trends in North China are improved. Based on this result and the analysis of wavelet power spectrum,the images of the depth of wavelet approximation and detail are obtained. The results obtained are of scientific significance for the deep understanding of potential seismic risk in North China from gravity variations in different time space scales.

Study on the Remote Sensing Assessment of Seismic Intensity of the Yushu Earthquake Based on the Synthetic Seismic Damage Index

This paper provides an overview of the ideas and methods of the assessment of seismic intensity based on remote sensing and describes the models used to assess the remote sensing based synthetic seismic damage index and seismic intensity. With the data of damage information extracted from the high-resolution aerial images in the earthquake-stricken areas( Jiegu town,Yushu city,Qinghai) of the 2010 MS7. 1 Yushu earthquake,and the data obtained through post-earthquake field investigation,the seismic damage degree and seismic intensity have been estimated. The analysis of the results shows that the seismic intensity in Yushu city is estimated as IX through the RS assessment method,which is consistent with the result estimated according to the ground surveys. The results are discussed in the last part of the paper and indicate that the RS techniques are expected to be one of the main methods used to estimate the seismic intensity values in the emergency stage.

Three-dimensional Building Damage Simulation Based on GIS

GIS technology has been applied to building damage analysis around the world. However, most previous studies focused on the application of 2-D GIS technology, and the results from traditional earthquake damage prediction are displayed in 2-D figures and charts, which is incapable of demonstrating the 3-D spatial characteristics of buildings. Taking brick-concrete building as an example, we study the characteristics of building damage, and effectively combine the information of building textures and earthquake damage. Then, we apply Google SketchUp techniques to create building models and display them with seismic damage texture in the ArcGIS Engine software development environment. In this paper we propose a solid idea for 3-D simulation of earthquake damage, which is helpful in earthquake damage prediction, virtual emergency rescue practice and earthquake knowledge education.

The Characteristics and Cause of Seismic Damage of the Jinghe M5.0 Earthquake in Xinjiang on October 16, 2011

The epicenter of the M5.0 earthquake occurring in Jinghe County, Xinjiang on October 16, 2011, is located in Tuoli Township. The intensity of the meizoseismal area is VI. The seismic damage investigation shows that the houses are mainly mud-clay style and the seismic damage characteristics take on an obvious regional nature. The damage degree varies relative to the field conditions.

Short-term Earthquake Prediction in the Sichuan-Yunnan Region Using the Method of Modulated Earthquakes

By scanning modulated or un-modulated earthquakes spatio-temporally in the region of Sichuan-Yunnan,short-term non-stationary seismic precursory patterns were extracted with significant difference and the characteristic of non-stationary short-term seismic anomalies were analyzed as well as prediction efficiency of modulated small earthquakes before a strong earthquake. Besides,small earthquake modulation ratios near the region of the epicenter were calculated and sorted by time. The results indicated that there were significant effects using the modulated earthquake method to predict earthquakes greater than MS6. 0 in a short time. Before the MS8. 0 Wenchuan earthquake,there were obvious short-term precursory seismicity gap patterns of modulated small earthquakes.

Determination of the Seismogenic Structure of the 1861 East of Pulandian M6.0 earthquake

The 1861 M6. 0 earthquake occurring in the east of Pulandian is another strong earthquake with M ≥ 6. 0 besides the 1975 Haicheng MT. 3 earthquake in the Liaodong peninsula. Through repeated investigations, the epicenter of the 1861 earthquake was located at Gupao, a village east of Pulandian. Based on the analyses of damage survey and precise location of modern instrumental earthquake data, the activity and seismic risk of the Jinzhou fault, Pulandian bay fault and the NW-trending Pulandian fault were analyzed. And by comparing the deep seismogenic environment between Pulandian and Haicheng, it is found that, as a neogenic active fault, the NW-trending fault, conjugated with the Jinzhou fault, has a higher seismic risk. The NW-trending fault is the seismogenic structure of the 1861 M6. 0 earthquake. And the Jinzhou fault, as a major fault in the Liaodong Peninsula, has controlled the seismicity of the region. The Pulandian bay fault is relatively inactive, with weak seismicity, and unrelated to the earthquake.

Variation of Seismic Frequency in the Yunnan Region After the Indonesia Earthquake With M_S8.7

The seismic frequency increased significantly in the Yunnan region after the Indonesia earthquake with M_S8.7 on December 26, 2004. This was estimated by analyzing the seismic frequency ratio between the influenced and normal times, the spatial distribution characteristics of the increased seismic frequency, the temporal-spatial distribution and types of seismic swarms. Seismic frequency increased at 71.3% of the statistical sites in the Yunnan area. The maximal increase ratio is 18.2.

Empirical Approaches to Earthquake Prediction: A Brief Review of the Practice and Research in China

This paper gives a brief review of some progress in the research and practice of earthquake prediction in China in terms of the study of strong earthquake cases in three disciplines of precursory means: crust deformation and strain, underground fluid dynamics, and geoelectro-magnettsm, summarized in the past 30-odd years. All the progress, however, shows that the research of earthquake prediction in China is still in the empirical stage of its development. The main tasks in this stage would involve the following aspects: (1) accumulating earthquake cases, particularly the cases of strong earthquakes with a wide variety of reliable precursory data observed by fixed or mobile networks of different disciplines; and (2) studying the physical mechanism of observational means in more detail and the synthetic model of earthquake preparation based on the theoretical and laboratory researches as well as the data of in-situ observation.

Electric Field Effects on Animals:Mechanism of Seismic Anomalous Animal Behaviors (SAABs)

Electric field effect on animals has been studied to investigate its relation with seismic anomalous animal behaviors(SAABs)in China.Freshwater eel,crucian carp,catfish,and soft-shelled turtle responded to the threshold electric field of 1-10 V/m,while duck,goose,cat,sheep,pig,dog,and chicken all responded to the ground electric field of about tens of V/m,depending on the species as well as on individuals.Most of the behaviors caused by electric field were similar to those reported as SAABs such as alignment,sudden movement,panic,and convulsion.The intensity of electric field due to a major earthquake would have been over these threshold values.Numerical estimation based on an electromagnetic model of a fault has been made to induce SAABs as electric shocks to pulsed electric fields in electro-physiology.The seismic electric signals(SES)intensity might be estimated from the observation of SAABs.

Preface to the Special Issue on Loess Landslides

“Mountains that moved in the night;landslides that eddied like waterfalls,crevasses that swallowed houses and camel trains,and villages that were swept away under a rising sea of loose earth,were a few of the subsidiary occurrences that made the earthquake in Kansu(Gansu)one of the most appalling catastrophes in history.”

Shaking Table Tests on Bridge Foundation Reinforced by Antislide Piles on Slope

Based on the requirement of seismic reinforcement of bridge foundation on slope in the Chengdu-Lanzhou railway project,a shaking table model test of anti-slide pile protecting bridge foundation in landslide section is designed and completed. By applying Wenchuan seismic waves with different acceleration peaks,the stress and deformation characteristics of bridge pile foundation and anti-slide pile are analyzed,and the failure mode is discussed. Results show that the dynamic response of bridge pile and anti-slide pile are affected by the peak value of seismic acceleration of earthquake,with which the stress and deformation of the structure increase. The maximum dynamic earth pressure and the moment of anti-slide piles are located near the sliding surface,while that of bridge piles are located at the top of the pile. Based on the dynamic response of structure,local reinforcement needs to be carried out to meet the requirement of the seismic design. The PGA amplification factor of the surface is greater than the inside,and it decreases with the increase of the input seismic acceleration peak. When the slope failure occurs,the tension cracks are mainly produced in the shallow sliding zone and the coarse particles at the foot of the slope are accumulated.

Moment Magnitude and Its Calculation

In this paper,we give a brief introduction to the proposal and development history of the earthquake magnitude concept. Moment magnitude MWis the best physical quantity for measuring earthquakes. Compared with other magnitude scales used traditionally,moment magnitude is not saturated for all earthquakes,regardless of big and small earthquakes,deep and shallow earthquakes,far field and near field seismic data,geodetic and geological data,moment magnitude can be measured,and can be connected with wellknown magnitude scales such as surface wave magnitude MS. Moment magnitude is a uniform magnitude scale,which is suitable for statistics with wide magnitude range.Moment magnitude is the preferred magnitude selected by the International Seismological community,and it is preferred by the departments responsible for publishing seismic information to the public. Moment magnitude is a uniform magnitude scale,which is suitable for statistics with wide magnitude range. Moment magnitude is a preferred magnitude for international seismology,it is preferred by the agency responsible for providing information about earthquakes to the public. We provide all formulas used in the calculation of moment magnitude,and the calculation steps in detail. We also analyzed some problems and rules to solve these problems by using different formulas and numerical value calculation steps.

A Research on the 2014 Wenzhou M4.2 Earthquake in the Shanxi Reservoir

Complete records of more than 3,000 earthquake events in the Shanxi, Wenzhou reservoir earthquake sequence were recorded from August to November,2014 by the high-density,high-resolution monitoring stations of the Zhejiang Regional Digital Seismic Network and the reservoir earthquake monitoring network,with a maximum magnitude of M4. 2. Based on 3-D epicenter location, focal mechanism solutions, and in combination with the geological and tectonic characteristics of the reservoir area,the earthquake sequence is discussed in this paper. The linear fitting of the Hypo SAT location results show that the main shock occurred in the NW trending fault and the earthquake sequence is concentrated in bands along the active faults,with a strike of305 °,dipping SW with dip angle of 85 °. By using P-wave first motion symbols, we obtained the average focal mechanism of M ≥ 3. 5 earthquakes,with a strike 308 ° and dip 84 ° for nodal plane II. The field geological survey and research show that the strike,dip and rake of nodal plane II are roughly consistent with the occurrence of the Shuangxi-Jiaoxi fault. The comprehensive analysis reveals that the NW-trending Shuangxi-Jiaoxi fault is the seismogenic structure of the earthquakes.

Analysis of Sacks Body Strain Interference at Beida No.200 Station in Changping and Earthquake Case Study

The relationship between Sacks body strain deformation at Beida No. 200 station in Changping and tidal solids,atmospheric pressure and water level is analyzed in this paper. Sacks body strain deformation data before the M_S8. 0 Wenchuan earthquake is studied based on the analysis of the interference. The short-impending anomaly of the body strain deformation is considered to be reliable. The anomaly characteristics conclude:( 1) The trend anomaly as extensional change of the body strain deformations on a quasi 1 year time scale before the Wenchuan earthquake was recorded, and the accumulative amount was about 4000 × 10^(-9). Correspondingly,the short-term precursor of earthquake was manifested as an extensional abrupt change.( 2) The extensional intermittent anomalous abrupt change was recorded by body strainmeters between March1 and May 7 in 2008.( 3) Four compressional abrupt changes were recorded in the intermittent distortions recorded between April 13 and May 11.( 4) High frequency components were increased in the distortion process in May 1 to 3,5,7,and 9 to 12,caused by slow earthquakes before the Wenchuan earthquake according to wavelet analysis. The abnormal phenomena are summarized and the mechanics discussed in this paper. Strain solid tide distortions in body strain observations,the continuous repeated extensional and compressional abrupt changes accompanying these distortions,and the increase of high frequency components can be regarded as the index of short term and impending earthquake prediction,based on analysis of interference factors such as air pressure and water level.