Data Base for Dynamic Soil Properties of Seismic Active Zones in Iraq

Abstract

Iraq is located near the northern tip of the Arabian plate, which is advancing northwards relative to the Eurasian plate, and is predictably, a tectonically active country. Seismic activity in Iraq increased significantly during the last decade. So structural and geotechnical engineers have been giving increasing attention to the design of buildings for earthquake resistance. Dynamic properties play a vital role in the design of structures subjected to seismic load. The main objective of this study is to prepare a data base for the dynamic properties of different soils in seismic active zones in Iraq using the results of cross hole and down hole tests. From the data base collected it has been observed that the average vertical compressional wave velocities were ranged from (1125-2500) m/s in the North, (306-1544) m/s in the Middle, (805-1812) m/s in the western south, (377-1326) m/s in the eastern south and (334-1404) m/s in the South of Iraq. And the average vertical shear wave velocities were ranged from (225-476) m/s in the North, (111-408) m/s in the Middle, (268-659) m/s in the western south, (131-380)m/s in the eastern south and (102-365) m/s in the South of Iraq.