Seismic hazard assessment for Guatemala City

ABSTRACT

This study is concerned with a site specific seismic hazard analysis for the Guatemala City valley (90.5ºW and 14.6ºN). The work includes evaluation of historic and recent seismicity combined with geological information that in particular is related to active faults. An attenuation relation derived recently from an extensive set of Central American strong motion records was used in the hazard calculations. The results are presented for yearly exceedance probability levels in terms of Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) for average soils. The hazard calculations indicate that expected values of PGA are 1.83 m/s², 3.64 m/s² and 6.46 m/s², for the exceedance probabilities 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively. Maps have been generated that depict some of the areas, lifelines and buildings that contribute to the vulnerability of Guatemala City