Next-Level ShakeZoning simulations of two earthquake scenarios in

downtown Reno, Nevada

Janice KukukFall 2010 UNR Senior Research Project

Advisor: Dr. John Louie

Fault

Model Setup

•Two Basin-Thickness Datasets:• Widmer et al., 2007 Washoe Co. gravity model• Saltus and Jachens 1995 gravity model

•Two Geotech Datasets:• Pancha 2007 ANSS station measurements• Scott et al., 2004 shallow shear-velocity transect

Scenario Fault (like 2008 Wells):•Strike: N-S•Motion: Normal- down to the west•Length: 7.58 km•Mw: 5.94 (Anderson et al., 1996)•Frequency: 0.1 Hz and 1.0 Hz

Physics-Based Wave Propagation0.1 Hz Model 1.0 Hz Model

•The basin amplifies and traps seismic shaking

•Wave propagation unaffected by basin dataset boundariesin the 0.1 Hz Model•Wave propagation is affected by basin dataset boundaries in the 1.0 Hz Model

Peak Ground Velocities (PGV)

Max PGV: 22 cm/s Max PGV: 46 cm/s

• Similar results to the Mw 6.0 2008 Wells earthquake• Both 0.1 Hz and 1.0 Hz simulations show large PGVs

22 cm/s and 46 cm/s • Expected shaking similar to that of the Wells

earthquake Possibly more damage due to larger population and

large number of unreinforced masonry structures• More constraint needed on the length and the slip

rate of the scenario fault

Conclusions