An evaluation of the shear wave velocity profile in a road embankment using the microtremor measurement

-Application for the damaged sites of the Noto Toll Road due to the 2007 Noto Hanto Earthquake-

Abstract

The evaluation of the shear wave velocity distribution in the road embankment is necessary for the rational seismic assessment. However, the evaluation of shear wave velocity is usually difficult. In this study, the evaluation method of the shear wave velocity distribution in the road embankment using the microtremor measurement is proposed. First, the transfer functions of a high embankment in the Noto Toll Road were evaluated based on array measurements of microtremor at the toe, banquettes and shoulder. Next, the shear wave velocity profile of the high embankment was calibrated so that the transfer functions in the elastic FEM analysis agree with the observation. Finally, we confirm that a seismic response analysis using the estimated shear wave velocity is consistent with the actual damage results in the 2007 Noto Hanto Earthquake.