Development of a Computer Code for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis; A Case Study for Zanjan

Random nature of earthquakes and diversity of soil conditions makes it inevitable for engineers in construction or rehabilitation of important facilities and buildings to use probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA). Due to the inherent difficulties and uncertainties within earthquake phenomenon, prediction of seismic events is still almost impossible and PSHA as a method, provides the best probable estimation of future ground motions and site response spectra in earthquake engineering problems. In this research, a computer code is developed for performing PSHA using recent attenuation relationships compatible with middle east countries such as Iran and Turkey. As a case study, PSHA is performed for the area surrounding the major city of Zanjan in Iran and the results are compared with the result of deterministic seismic hazard assessment for a given construction site.

Keywords:

Seismic Hazard , Probabilistic Assessment , Attenuation Relationships , Computer Program