Site effects evaluation in Sellano (Italy) by 1-D and 2-D numerical analyses

The 1997-1998 Umbria-Marche seismic sequence induced severe damage to the historical centre of Sellano (Perugia, Italy). During the long aftershock sequence two temporary accelerometric stations, about 300m apart, provided several ground motion records. These data allowed us to investigate the amplification of surface motion which can essentially be ascribed to local seismic effects. A site response study of the historical centre of the village was carried out by means of 1-D and 2-D numerical analyses to clarify the role played by the stratigraphic and topographic effects. The applicability of 1-D and 2-D models was examined by comparing the recorded and calculated acceleration response spectra. 1-D response analyses seem to indicate a significant stratigraphic effect on the ground response. Conversely, 2-D response analyses have shown only moderate amplification effects due to surface topography, which somewhat improved the predictions of site response spectra. © 2005 WIT Press.