Assessing Surface Fault Rupture Deformation

Jonathan Bray

Published August 9, 2018, SCEC Contribution #8366, 2018 SCEC Annual Meeting Talk on Tue 09:00 (PDF)

Surface fault rupture can produce localized or distributed deformation. In addressing the surface fault rupture hazard, the potential patterns of ground deformation should be developed through the use of a comprehensive site investigation including detailed mapping. Measured patterns of surface fault-induced ground deformation from similar types of faulting from past events offer useful insights to complement site-specific studies. Mitigation can be achieved in those cases when avoidance is not possible or practical. Engineers can design structures to accommodate fault-induced ground movements. Building strong, ductile structural foundation elements that can accommodate some level of ground deformation and isolating the superstructure from much of the underlying ground movement are effective design measures. Structures should not be tied into the ground with piles or piers. Other mitigation measures include establishing non-arbitrary setbacks based on fault geometry and displacement, and the overlying soil; constructing reinforced earth fills to spread out the underlying ground movements; and using slip layers to decouple ground movements from foundation elements.

Key Words
deformation, fault, ground failure, mitigation

Citation
Bray, J. (2018, 08). Assessing Surface Fault Rupture Deformation . Oral Presentation at 2018 SCEC Annual Meeting.

Related Projects & Working Groups
Earthquake Engineering Implementation Interface (EEII)