Determination of Local Site-Specific Spectra Using Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis for Bitlis Province, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, site-specific earthquake spectra for Bitlis province in Lake Van Basin has been obtained. It is noteworthy that, in probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, as a first stage data from geological studies and records from the instrumental period were compiled to make a seismic source characterization for the study region. The probabilistic seismic hazard curves for Bitlis were developed based on selected appropriate attenuation relationships, at rock sites, with a probability of exceedance 2%, 10% and 50% in 50 year periods. The obtained results were compared with the spectral responses proposed for seismic evaluation and retrofit of the building structure in Turkish Earthquake Code, Section 2. At the end of this study, it is apprehended that the Code proposed earthquake response spectra are not sufficient for the performance evaluation of the existing structures and the current estimations show that the potential seismic hazard research of the Turkey is underestimated in the code. Therefore, site-specific design spectra for the region should be developed, which reflect the characteristics of local sites.