Mapping Seismic Site Classes in Monterrey Metropolitan Area, northeast Mexico

Resumen

A first microzonation
map of seismic site class distribution in Monterrey Metropolitan
area is presented. This was prepared using borehole information,
seismic refraction profiling and surficial geology. According to
geotechnical site categories proposed by RodriguezMarek et al.
(2001) and NEHRP soil classification (VS30), C, C1-C2 sites classes
are located to the south and central of the study area. In the
northwest zone, B site classes are dominant. Lowest S-wave velocity
(average of 268 m/s) correspond to silts, whereas highest velocities
(average 2311 m/s) are related to Cretaceous limestones. Maximum
thicknesses (16 to 20 m) of the soft sediments C-C2 classes are
located at the center area being correlated to two paleo-channels.
This study provides an initial attempt to understand and
characterize the seismic site classes in the study area