UCLA

Spatial variability and uncertainties that exist in natural deposits are often modeled in one-dimensional (1D) site response analysis through multiple spatially varied shear wave velocity (VS) profiles. These spatially varied VS profiles usually exhibit VS reversals that might not be observed in the natural deposits. This study investigates the consequences of allowing VS reversals in spatially varied VS on the 1D site response characteristics. Two sets of sixty (60) spatially varied VS profiles, with and without VS reversals, were generated. Results of the 1D site response analysis showed that allowing VS reversals in spatially varied VS profiles can lower the median surface response up to 10% at periods shorter than the fundamental site period. The difference in surface response becomes more significant for the higher intensity input motions. The variability in the median surface response was not significantly influenced by the presence of VS reversals.