Characterizing Seismic Response and Ground Motion Topographic Effects: A Local-Scale Study for Geotechnical Applications

This study focuses on enhancing our understanding of sites dominated by both soil properties and complex topographic conditions by analyzing ground motion records collected by the Pereira Ground motion network. We implemented various techniques to investigate the site effects, including empirical site classes and their relative amplification. Additionally, the fragility index (Kg) was estimated using earthquake and microtremor data, enabling a comparison between the two approaches. Furthermore, we identified how the topographic conditions of the terrain modified the seismic response at station sites. This research aims to comprehensively understand site effects during seismic events by combining site classification, fragility assessment, and topographic analysis. The findings from this study have the potential to contribute to the development of effective strategies for seismic response zonation and assessment, building design, and seismic risk assessment from a site characterization perspective.