Resumo

MONTALVO-ARRIETA, Juan C. et al. Mapping Seismic Site Classes in Monterrey Metropolitan Area, northeast Mexico. Bol. Soc. Geol. Mex [online]. 2008, vol.60, n.2, pp.147-158. ISSN 1405-3322.

A first microzonation map of seismic site class distribution in Monterrey Metropolitan area is presented. This was prepared using borehole information, seismic refraction profiling and surficial geology. According to geotechnical site categories proposed by Rodriguez-Marek et al. (2001) and NEHRP soil classification (V_S30), C, C1-C2 sites classes are located to the south and central of the study area. In the northwest zone, B site classes are dominant. Lowest S-wave velocity (average of 268 m/s) correspond to silts, whereas highest velocities (average 2311 m/s) are related to Cretaceous limestones. Maximum thicknesses (16 to 20 m) of the soft sediments C-C2 classes are located at the center area being correlated to two paleo-channels. This study provides an initial attempt to understand and characterize the seismic site classes in the study area.

Palavras-chave : seismic P-wave velocities; seismic S-wave velocities; borehole data; seismic microzonation; seismic refraction profiles.