High-resolution grid of H/V spectral ratios and spatial variability on microtremors at Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Abstract

We performed dense single mobile microtremor measurements at 1181 sites throughout the city of Port of Spain, Trinidad. The results yielded fundamental periods of the soil of 1.2–1.7 s in the coastal areas, 0.3–1.2 s in the downtown area, and 0.0–0.3 s in the surrounding areas of the city. We employed the variogram plot to retrieve the spatial variability of fundamental periods. The results suggest that the variability of the period yields about 0.010 s² at short distances of 100 m and it can be modeled as a Gaussian distribution which is directionally dependent. Finally, we propose an elastic design response spectra for different zones in the city in accordance with the observed periods of vibration and compatible with the International Building Code (IBC) provisions.