Utilization of Mean Shear Wave Velocity to a Depth Shallower than 30m for Efficient Seismic Site Classification in Korea

우리나라 지진공학적 지반 분류를 위한 30m 미만 심도 평균 전단파 속도의 활용

Mean shear wave velocity of the upper 30m $(V_s30)$ used as the current site classification criterion for determining seismic design ground motions in Korea was established based on the typical depth of site investigations in western US, in which the depth to bedrock is much deeper than that in Korea. In this study, to establish appropriate site classification system for site conditions of Korea, site investigations including in-situ seismic tests to determine shear wave velocity $(V_s)$ were carried out at total 72 sites in Korean peninsula. The mean $V_s's$ to the depths of 5m, 10m, 15m, 20m and 25m together with the $V_s30$ at the testing sites were determined, and the correlation between the mean $V_s$ to a depth shallower than 30m and the $V_s30$ was drawn and suggested for the efficient seismic site classification in Korea. The proposed correlation could be utilized for the seismic design in case of the $V_s$ profiles shallower than 30 m in depth. The correlation in this study, nevertheless, requires further modification by means of the accumulation of various site data in Korea.