Peak ground acceleration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_ground_acceleration

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Peak ground acceleration (PGA) is equal to the maximum ground acceleration that occurred during earthquake
shaking at a location. PGA is equal to the amplitude of the largest absolute acceleration recorded on an accelerogram[1]
at a site during a particular earthquake.[2] Earthquake shaking generally occurs in all three directions. Therefore, PGA is
often split into the horizontal and vertical components. Horizontal PGAs are generally larger than those in the vertical
direction but this is not always true, especially close to large earthquakes. PGA is an important parameter (also known as
an intensity measure) for earthquake engineering, The design basis earthquake ground motion (DBEGM)[3] is often
defined in terms of PGA.
Unlike the Richter and moment magnitude scales, it is not a measure of the total energy (magnitude, or size) of an
earthquake, but rather of how hard the earth shakes at a given geographic point. The Mercalli intensity scale uses
personal reports and observations to measure earthquake intensity but PGA is measured by instruments, such as
accelerographs. It can be correlated to macroseismic intensities on the Mercalli scale[4] but these correlations are
associated with large uncertainty.[5] See also seismic scale.
The peak horizontal acceleration (PHA) is the most commonly used type of ground acceleration in engineering
applications. It is often used within earthquake engineering (including seismic building codes) and it is commonly
plotted on seismic hazard maps.[6] In an earthquake, damage to buildings and infrastructure is related more closely to
ground motion, of which PGA is a measure, rather than the magnitude of the earthquake itself. For moderate
earthquakes, PGA is a reasonably good determinant of damage; in severe earthquakes, damage is more often correlated
with peak ground velocity.[4]

1 Geophysics
2 Seismic risk and engineering
3 Comparison of instrumental and felt intensity
3.1 Correlation with the Mercalli scale
3.2 Other intensity scales
4 PGA hazard risks worldwide
5 Notable earthquakes
6 See also
7 References
8 Bibliography

Earthquake energy is dispersed in waves from the hypocentre, causing ground movement omnidirectionally but typically
modelled horizontally (in two directions) and vertically. PGA records the acceleration (rate of change of speed) of these
movements, while peak ground velocity is the greatest speed (rate of movement) reached by the ground, and peak
displacement is the distance moved.[7][8] These values vary in different earthquakes, and in differing sites within one
earthquake event, depending on a number of factors. These include the length of the fault, magnitude, the depth of the
quake, the distance from the epicentre, the duration (length of the shake cycle), and the geology of the ground
(subsurface). Shallow-focused earthquakes generate stronger shaking (acceleration) than intermediate and deep quakes,
since the energy is released closer to the surface.[9]
Peak ground acceleration can be expressed in g (the acceleration due to Earth's gravity, equivalent to g-force) as either a
decimal or percentage; in m/s2 (1 g = 9.81 m/s2);[7] or in Gal, where 1 Gal is equal to 0.01 m/s (1 g = 981 Gal).
The ground type can significantly influence ground acceleration, so PGA values can display extreme variability over
distances of a few kilometers, particularly with moderate to large earthquakes.[10] The varying PGA results from an
earthquake can be displayed on a shake map.[11] Due to the complex conditions affecting PGA, earthquakes of similar
magnitude can offer disparate results, with many moderate magnitude earthquakes generating significantly larger PGA

Peak ground acceleration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_ground_acceleration

values than larger magnitude quakes.

During an earthquake, ground acceleration is measured in three directions: vertically (V or UD, for up-down) and two
perpendicular horizontal directions (H1 and H2), often north-south (NS) and east-west (EW). The peak acceleration in
each of these directions is recorded, with the highest individual value often reported. Alternatively, a combined value for
a given station can be noted. The peak horizontal ground acceleration (PHA or PHGA) can be reached by selecting the
higher individual recording, taking the mean of the two values, or calculating a vector sum of the two components. A
three-component value can also be reached, by taking the vertical component into consideration also.
In seismic engineering, the effective peak acceleration (EPA, the maximum ground acceleration to which a building
responds) is often used, which tends to be the PGA.

Study of geographic areas combined with an assessment of historical earthquakes allows geologists to determine seismic
risk and to create seismic hazard maps, which show the likely PGA values to be experienced in a region during an
earthquake, with a probability of exceedance (PE). Seismic engineers and government planning departments use these
values to determine the appropriate earthquake loading for buildings in each zone, with key identified structures (such as
hospitals, bridges, power plants) needing to survive the maximum considered earthquake (MCE).
Damage to buildings is related to both peak ground velocity and PGA, and the duration of the earthquake the longer
high-level shaking persists, the greater the likelihood of damage.

Peak ground acceleration provides a measurement of instrumental intensity, that is, ground shaking recorded by seismic
instruments. Other intensity scales measure felt intensity, based on eyewitness reports, felt shaking, and observed
damage. There is correlation between these scales, but not always absolute agreement since experiences and damage can
be affected by many other factors, including the quality of earthquake engineering.
Generally speaking,
0.001 g (0.01 m/s) perceptible by people
0.02 g (0.2 m/s) people lose their balance
0.50 g very high; well-designed buildings can survive if the duration is short.[8]

Correlation with the Mercalli scale

The United States Geological Survey developed an Instrumental Intensity scale which maps peak ground acceleration
and peak ground velocity on an intensity scale similar to the felt Mercalli scale. These values are used to create shake
maps by seismologists around the world.
Instrumental Acceleration Velocity
Perceived Shaking Potential Damage
Intensity
(g)
(cm/s)
I

< 0.0017

< 0.1

Not felt

None

II-III

0.0017 - 0.014 0.1 - 1.1

Weak

None

IV

0.014 - 0.039 1.1 - 3.4

Light

None

0.039 - 0.092 3.4 - 8.1

Moderate

Very light

VI

0.092 - 0.18

8.1 - 16

Strong

Light

VII

0.18 - 0.34

16 - 31

Very strong

Moderate

VIII

0.34 - 0.65

31 - 60

Severe

Moderate to heavy

IX

0.65 - 1.24

60 - 116

Violent

Heavy

X+

> 1.24

> 116

Extreme

Very heavy

Other intensity scales

In the 7-class Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale, the highest intensity, Shindo 7, covers accelerations
greater than 4 m/s (0.41 g).

Peak ground acceleration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_ground_acceleration

In India, areas with expected PGA values higher than 0.36g are classed as "Zone 5", or "Very High Damage Risk Zone".

PGA
single
direction
(max
recorded)
2.7g[12]

PGA
vector sum (H1, H2,
V)
(max recorded)

Mag

Depth

2.99 g[13][14]

9.0

30 km[15] >15000[16]

Fatalities

Earthquake

2011 Thoku earthquake and

tsunami

2.2g[17][18]

6.3[19] 5 km

185

February 2011 Christchurch

earthquake

2.13g[20][21]

6.4

June 2011 Christchurch earthquake

6.9/7.2 8 km

12

2008 Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku

earthquake

6.7

19 km

57

1994 Los Angeles earthquake

7.1

42 km[15] 4

April 2011 Miyagi earthquake

1.26g[25][26]

7.1

10 km

2010 Canterbury earthquake

1.01g[27]

6.6

10 km

11

2007 Chetsu offshore earthquake

1.01g[28]

7.3

8 km

2,415

1999 Jiji earthquake

1.0g[29]

6.0

8 km

December 2011 Christchurch

earthquake

0.8g

6.8

16 km

6,434

1995 Kobe earthquake

0.78g[30]

8.8

23 km[31] 521

2010 Chile earthquake

0.6g[32]

6.0

10 km

143

1999 Athens earthquake

0.51g[33]

6.4

612

2005 Zarand earthquake

0.5g[23]

7.0

13 km

92,000-316,000 2010 Haiti earthquake

0.438g[34]

7.7

44 km

27

1978 Miyagi earthquake (Sendai)

0.4g[35]

5.7

8 km

2016 Christchurch earthquake

0.367g[36]

5.2

1 km

2011 Lorca earthquake

0.25 - 0.3g[37]

9.5

33 km

1,655[38]

1960 Valdivia earthquake

0.24g[39]

6.4

628

2004 Morocco earthquake

0.18g[40]

9.2

143

1964 Alaska earthquake

4.36g[22]
1.7g[23]
1.47g[24]

6 km

23 km

Spectral acceleration
Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale
Earthquake simulation

1. "accelerogram - Wiktionary". en.wiktionary.org. Retrieved

2015-11-11.

2. Douglas, J (2003-04-01). "Earthquake ground motion

estimation using strong-motion records: a review of

Peak ground acceleration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

equations for the estimation of peak ground acceleration
and response spectral ordinates". Earth-Science Reviews
61 (12): 43104. doi:10.1016/S0012-8252(02)00112-5.
3. Nuclear Power Plants and Earthquakes (http://www.worldnuclear.org/info/inf18.html), accessed 2011-04-08
4. "ShakeMap Scientific Background. Rapid Instrumental
Intensity Maps". Earthquake Hazards Program. U. S.
Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
5. Cua, G.; et al. (2010). "Best Practices" for Using
Macroseismic Intensity and Ground Motion Intensity
Conversion Equations for Hazard and Loss Models in
GEM1 (PDF). Global Earthquake Model.
6. European Facilities for Earthquake Hazard & Risk (2013).
"The 2013 European Seismic Hazard Model (ESHM13)".
EFEHR. Retrieved 2015-11-11.
7. "Explanation of Parameters". Geologic Hazards Science
Center. U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
8. Lorant, Gabor (17 June 2010). "Seismic Design
Principles". Whole Building Design Guide. National
Institute of Building Sciences. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
9. "Magnitude 6.6 Near the west coast of Honshu, Japan".
Earthquake summary. USGS. 16 July 2001. Retrieved
15 March 2011.
10. "ShakeMap scientific background. Peak acceleration
maps". Earthquake Hazards Program. U. S. Geological
Survey. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
11. "ShakeMap Scientific Background". Earthquake Hazards
Program. U. S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 22 March
2011.
12. Erol Kalkan, Volkan Sevilgen (17 March 2011). "March
11, 2011 M9.0 Tohoku, Japan Earthquake: Preliminary
results". United States Geological Survey. Retrieved
22 March 2011.
13. http://www.kyoshin.bosai.go.jp/kyoshin/topics
/html20110311144626/main_20110311144626.html
14. "2011 Off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku earthquake, Strong
Ground Motion" (PDF). National Research Institute for
Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. Retrieved
18 March 2011.
15. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives
/year/2011/2011_stats.php
16. "Damage Situation and Police Countermeasures associated
with 2011Tohoku District - off the Pacific Earthquake"
(PDF). Emergency Disaster Countermeasures
Headquarters. National Police Agency of Japan.
17. "Feb 22 2011 - Christchurch badly damaged by magnitude
6.3 earthquake". Geonet. GNS Science. 23 February 2011.
Archived from the original on 4 March 2011. Retrieved
24 February 2011.
18. "PGA intensity map". Geonet. GNS Science. Archived
from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 24 February
2011.
19. "New Zealand Earthquake Report - Feb 22 2011 at 12:51
pm (NZDT)". Geonet. GNS Science. 22 February 2011.
Archived from the original on 25 February 2011.
Retrieved 24 February 2011.
20. "Jun 13 2011 - Large earthquakes strike south-east of
Christchurch". Geonet. GNS Science. 13 June 2011.
Archived from the original on 14 June 2011. Retrieved
14 June 2011.
21. "PGA intensity map". Geonet. GNS Science. Archived
from the original on 20 March 2012. Retrieved 14 June
2011.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_ground_acceleration
22. Masumi Yamada; et al. (JulyAugust 2010). "Spatially
Dense Velocity Structure Exploration in the Source
Region of the Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku Earthquake".
Seismological Research Letters v. 81; no. 4;.
Seismological Society of America. pp. 597604. Retrieved
21 March 2011.
23. Lin, Rong-Gong; Allen, Sam (26 February 2011). "New
Zealand quake raises questions about L.A. buildings". Los
Angeles Times (Tribune). Retrieved 27 February 2011.
24. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/shakemap/global
/shake/c0002ksa/
25. Carter, Hamish (24 February 2011). "Technically it's just
an aftershock". New Zealand Herald (APN Holdings).
Retrieved 24 February 2011.
26. "M 7.1, Darfield (Canterbury), September 4, 2010".
GeoNet. GNS Science. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
27. Katsuhiko, Ishibashi (11 August 2001). "Why Worry?
Japan's Nuclear Plants at Grave Risk From Quake
Damage". Japan Focus (Asia Pacific Journal). Retrieved
15 March 2011.
28. Central Weather Bureau. (2 September 2004). [1]
(ftp://scftp.cwb.gov.tw/19990921/19990921.IND).
Retrieved 21 March 2011.
29. NZ Herald Article - Violence of tremors stuns experts. (24
Dec 2011). [2] (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news
/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10775150). Retrieved 24
December 2011.
30. "Informe Tecnico Terremoto Cauquenes 27 de Febrero de
2010 Actualizado 27 de Mayo 2010" (PDF).
31. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eqarchives
/year/2010/2010_stats.php
32. Anastasiadis A. N.; et al. "The Athens (Greece)
Earthquake of September 7, 1999: Preliminary Report on
Strong Motion Data and Structural Response". Institute of
Engineering Seismology and Earthquake Engineering.
MCEER. Retrieved 22 March 2011.
33. "Earthquake Mw 6.3 in Iran on February 22nd, 2005 at
02:25 UTC". European-Mediterranean Seismological
Centre. Retrieved 7 March 2011.
34. Brady, A. Gerald (1980). An investigation of the Miyagiken-oki, Japan, earthquake of June 12, 1978. National
Bureau of Standards. p. 123.
35. "Large quake off the coast of Christchurch".
info.geonet.org.nz. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
36. Los terremotos paradojicos - Seismo mortal en Murcia
(http://www.elpais.com/articulo/espana/terremotos
/paradojicos/elpepuesp/20110513elpepinac_4/Tes)
37. Crustal deformation associated with the 1960 earthquake
events in the south of Chile (http://www.civil.ucsc.cl
/investigacion/fvillalobos/2010_5ICEGE_A.pdf)
38. Webber, Jude (27 February 2010). "Massive earthquake
batters Chile". Financial Times. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
39. USGS Earthquake Hazards Program Magnitude 6.4 NEAR NORTH COAST OF MOROCCO
(http://earthquake.usgs.gov/eqcenter/eqinthenews
/2004/usfgag/#summary)
40. National Research Council (U.S.). Committee on the
Alaska Earthquake, The great Alaska earthquake of 1964,
Volume 1, Part 1 (http://books.google.co.nz
/books?id=5EArAAAAYAAJ&dq), National Academies,
1968 p. 285

Murphy, J.R.; o'brien (1977). "The correlation of peak ground acceleration amplitude with seismic intensity and

Peak ground acceleration - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak_ground_acceleration

other physical parameters". Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 67 (3): 877915.
Campbell, K.W. (1997). "Empirical near-source attenuation relationships for horizontal and vertical components
of peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and pseudo-absolute acceleration response spectra".
Seismological Research Letters 68: 154179. doi:10.1785/gssrl.68.1.154.
Campbell, K.W.; Y. Bozorgnia (2003). "Updated near-source ground-motion (attenuation) relations for the
horizontal and vertical components of peak ground acceleration and acceleration response spectra". Bulletin of the
Seismological Society of America 93 (1): 314331. Bibcode:2003BuSSA..93..314C. doi:10.1785/0120020029.
Wald, D.J.; V. Quitoriano; T.H. Heaton; H. Kanamori (1999). "Relationships between peak ground acceleration,
peak ground velocity, and modified Mercalli intensity in California". Earthquake Spectra 15 (3): 557.
doi:10.1193/1.1586058.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Peak_ground_acceleration&oldid=713887102"
Categories: Seismology Earthquake engineering
This page was last modified on 6 April 2016, at 11:01.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By
using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia is a registered trademark of the
Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.