HR: 1330h
AN: S52A-0123    [PDF]
TI: Rupture Directivity in a Foam Rubber Physical Model
AU: * Anooshehpoor, R
EM: rasool@seismo.unr.edu
AF: University Of Nevada, Reno, Seismological Laboratory 174 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557-0141 United States
AU: Brune, J N
EM: brune@seismo.unr.edu
AF: University Of Nevada, Reno, Seismological Laboratory 174 1664 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89557-0141 United States
AB: Understanding earthquake rupture dynamics, especially forward rupture directivity (focusing of seismic energy in the direction of rupture propagation), is crucial in determining the seismic hazard for critical structures located near major active faults. We use foam rubber modeling experiments to provide constraints on parameters that control rupture dynamics, and consequently, forward directivity effects. Numerical models currently in use have too many unconstrained parameters to allow confidence in predictions, and may not even be realistic from a physical point of view. The foam rubber model allows us to develop a deep physical understanding of an actual physical model. This in turn will allow us to better specify which physical parameters used in numerical models are critical, and establish a realistic range for their values, and to better understand and qualify particular numerical models. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of earlier experiments with excellent results provided incentive for additional funding from PEER to increase the number of recording channels in the model from 32 to 76. In particular, we have increased the number of recording sites on the fault plane from 12 to 35 to provide a better picture of the slip distribution on the fault during rupture. At the time of meeting we will present waveforms for selected events.
DE: 7200 SEISMOLOGY
DE: 7209 Earthquake dynamics and mechanics
DE: 7212 Earthquake ground motions and engineering
SC: Seismology [S]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting