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Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions

Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020.

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Other Authors: Kijko, Andrzej
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2020
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author2 Kijko, Andrzej
author_browse Kijko, Andrzej
author_facet Kijko, Andrzej
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dc_rights_str_mv © 2020 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020.
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
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spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/77895 Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions Kijko, Andrzej u28038020@tuks.co.za Vermeulen, Petrus Johannes UCTD Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) Parameter estimation Seismic hazard modelling Seismicity parameters Cornell–McGuire model Natural and agricultural sciences theses SDG-09 Natural and agricultural sciences theses SDG-11 Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA) is not a new study field — indeed, it dates from the late 1960s. However, the original and introductory study paid scant attention to a crucial aspect, namely the estimation of the model parameters. Consequently, over the ensuing five decades, Parameter Estimation in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PE-PSHA) has not gained due recognition as an independent field of study. A review of the relevant body of literature indicates that PE-PSHA is not yet regarded as an entity, a coherent body of literature, or a study field. This study aims to introduce PE-PSHA as a distinct field of study. In 1968, Cornell introduced what is known today as Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA). Although a landmark study, it is peculiar and even astonishing that Cornell (1968) simply ignored the crucial aspect of parameter estimation of models. This aspect and the implications of ignoring the importance of parameter estimation are discussed in detail in this thesis. Seismicity modelling in general and the classic Cornell–McGuire procedure are introduced, which provides the platform for the introduction of the parameters typically associated with it, usually referred to as seismicity parameters. Subsequently, each parameter is discussed in detail, clarifying the development of estimation techniques, as well as the problem areas that could be identified. In some instances, solutions are put forward, either as own research by the author or gleaned from the literature. A discussion is presented on the magnitude of completeness (𝑚𝑐) of seismic catalogues, along with a critical analysis of the estimation techniques currently employed. Concerns about some of these methods are discussed comprehensively and clarified by detailed argument. The two principal model parameters are discussed, namely the Gutenberg–Richter 𝑏-value and the rate of seismicity (RoS). A review of the estimation techniques of these parameters is presented, as well as the problems encountered. This review also serves as an overview of the historical development of the estimation of the two parameters. Various solutions have been put forward to some of the problems encountered; however, these solutions are not being employed. Subsequently, some estimators for the 𝑏-value for incomplete catalogues are compared. The maximum possible earthquake magnitude for a given area (𝑚𝑚𝑎𝑥) from the seismic catalogue data is discussed. A few procedures (or estimators) have been proposed, although only by a few researchers. The estimators are discussed in some detail and are analysed critically, among which are methods newly investigated by the author. The concept of seismic zones is discussed, as, although seismic zones are not parameters, the delineation of seismic sources is a modelling procedure that requires estimation from the catalogue data similar to estimating parameters (this can be regarded as a generalised part of parameter estimation). The practice of seismic zoning based largely on expert opinion is analysed critically, and a number of alternatives are discussed. In the conclusion to the study, the need for PE-PSHA to be regarded as an entity, or separate field of study, is highlighted. In addition, the discussed problems and solutions are reviewed, and recommendations are made. Finally, possible future research areas are pointed out. bs2026 Geology PhD Unrestricted SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructure SDG-11: Sustainable cities and communities 2020-12-29T11:51:06Z 2020-12-29T11:51:06Z 2020/05/06 2020 Thesis Vermeulen, PJ 2020, Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions, PhD Thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd <http://hdl.handle.net/2263/77895> A2020 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/77895 en © 2020 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle UCTD
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA)
Parameter estimation
Seismic hazard modelling
Seismicity parameters
Cornell–McGuire model
Natural and agricultural sciences theses SDG-09
Natural and agricultural sciences theses SDG-11
Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
title Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
title_full Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
title_fullStr Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
title_full_unstemmed Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
title_short Problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
title_sort problems in parameter estimation in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and some solutions
topic UCTD
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis (PSHA)
Parameter estimation
Seismic hazard modelling
Seismicity parameters
Cornell–McGuire model
Natural and agricultural sciences theses SDG-09
Natural and agricultural sciences theses SDG-11
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/77895