Investigation of Soil Amplification in North Cyprus

Abstract

In this study, soil characteristics were investigated using four well-located earthquakes recorded by six accelerometers located in North Cyprus. The amplification values obtained according to the soil features were mapped in accordance with different frequencies using horizontal to vertical spectral ratio method. The dominant period values of the units below the station locations were calculated in order to prevent the resonance effect of structures under dynamic loads. In general, high amplifications were observed in the low-frequency range in the loose units, while low amplifications were calculated in the compact units. High amplification values were detected at low frequencies in accelerometer stations located above the Quaternary alluvium and gypsum marls in Nicosia. Since the soil dominant period varies from 0.1 s to 0.3 s, structuring between 1 and 3 floors should be avoided in this area. The dominant period values for Erenkoy and Famagusta are 1.1 and 0.6; therefore, structuring between 11 and 6 floors should be refrained, respectively.