I proposed design
spectra considering the non-linear site response base on the amplification
factor of 40 velocity profiles located in the urban zone of Managua, Nicaragua.
The method applied the multichannel surface analysis (MASW) of 22 different places
and 18 different reference points provided by Rojas et al. (2016), Escorcia et
al. (2013), and Facciolli et al. (1973); to provide the shear wave velocity
profile and propose a soil classification map based on the Vs-20 analysis of the
study area. The non-linear response spectra were developed from the backbone
curve using the linear equivalent and hyperbolic model fitted with the dynamic
deformation laboratory test data provided by Facciolli (1973). The soil
amplification factors and design response spectra were defined using the soil
classification map and the non-linear response spectra.
The results showed that the zones with the lower shear velocity have larger
soil amplification factors and were located in the northern zone on the coast
of Managua Lake. Second, the calculation of the reference points using Vs-20
had the best fitted distribution made by geology and land use constraints.
Finally, the developed design spectra for this study proposed a soil
classification that included a soft soil design spectra and moderate soft soil
with three differences range limits in the spectral acceleration branch.
Keywords: Design Response Spectra, Amplification
Factor, MASW method, Seismic Micro-zonation.