Proposed Work

It is proposed to use the finite-element method in this investigation for its ability to efficiently resolve multi-scale phenomena, the ease with which it handles stress boundary conditions, and its firm theoretical foundation. To establish a complete 3-D FEM model to do simulations, I propose to work on the three following activities as my Ph.D dissertation research:

• Develop a complete FEM simulation system including numerical discretization schemes, utilization of good meshing, seismic force applications, effective absorbing boundary conditions and the incorporation of material damping;
• Use the developed FEM model to simulate a hypothetic earthquake in an idealized basin to validate our modeling and then apply it to realistic earthquakes in a real basin; and,
• Analyze the simulation results and explain the site effect of seismic ground motion by showing results in frequency domain and in response spectra.

The above activities would also be part of the goal of the Quake Project.