Analysis of ground motion in Delhi from earthquakes recorded by strong motion network

In the present study, ground motions for M (w) 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 scenario earthquakes are estimated at one hard rock site Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in Delhi using the empirical Green's function technique. The recordings of the 7th September 2011 earthquake of M (w) 3.9 at the DJB site are used as an element earthquake. Our computations show that an M (w) 5.0 earthquake would give rise to peak ground acceleration (PGA) of similar to 50 to 250 cm/s(2), the smaller values occurring at hard sites. The corresponding estimated PGV range is similar to 3 to 10 cm/s. M (w) 5.5 earthquake would give rise to PGA of similar to 80 to 350 cm/s(2), while during M (w) 6.0 PGA of similar to 150 to 670 cm/s(2) may occur at different sites. The estimated response spectra are compared with earlier studies in the same region by different researchers and it is found that the results are comparable. The obtained spectral acceleration values can be used in identifying the vulnerable areas in Delhi, thereby facilitating the planning, design, and construction of new structures and strengthening of the existing structures in the region.