Research

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Objective Statement

The objectives of my research are to develop additive terms based on mHVSR for ergodic site response models (e.g., BSSA14) that encapsulate site-geology across multiple regions in California to better predict site amplification. This would be accomplished through the continual collection of mHVSR data at sites of interest such as ground motion stations (e.g., downhole vertical arrays) and project sites of engineering interest. Moreover, it is important to collect as much data as possible and utilize existing data to aid in the understanding of mHVSR and the development of parameters which are accurate. This research has led to other findings and understanding of low-frequency (< 0.1 Hz) mHVSR and the reliability of peaks at these frequencies. Understanding the reliability of these peaks would aid in better capturing impedance contrast at depths well beyond what common geotechnical/geological tools can capture.

Research Highlights

HVSR Data Collection

Preliminary Site Response Model Development

Figure from Ornelas et al. (2024a) "Preliminary observations of an ergodic site response model in California conditioned on ( V_{s30} ) and HVSR parameters" (can be found in publications)

Low Frequency mHVSR Investigation

Figure from Ornelas et al. (2024b) "Reliability of Low Frequency mHVSR Ordinates" (can be found in publications)