Croatian strong motion database: ground motion prediction equations tests

Recent significant seismic events, namely the Zagreb M_W5.3 and Petrinja M_W6.4 earthquakes in 2020, have highlighted the critical need for enhanced seismic hazard assessment. To facilitate a more accurate assessment of seismic hazard, it is imperative to refine and adjust input parameters. Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) assume a pivotal role in this aspect. However, the accurate allocation of GMPEs for specific regions necessitates an extensive database comprising strong motion (SM) recordings. This proves challenging for areas characterized by moderate seismic activity, such as Croatia. In response to this challenge, we have established the first systematic SM digital database, continually updated to address this gap. While the BSHAP database (Salic et al., 2017) was formally recognized as the initial Croatian strong motion database, it primarily contained analogue waveforms, often falling short of satisfactory quality standards. Our database confines its scope to the geographical boundaries of 41.2°N – 47.7°N and 12.5°E – 20.5°E. Comprising over 150 good-quality recordings from 2020 to the present day, with magnitudes equal to or surpassing 3.5, this database serves as a valuable resource. In this study, we tested various widely used Ground Motion Prediction Equations (GMPEs) to define the most suitable models. The findings of this investigation lay the foundation for further GMPE development tailored to the Croatian SM database, leveraging the Hybrid Empirical Method (HEM).

 

 

References:

Salic, R., Sandikkaya, M.A., Milutinovic, Z. et al. BSHAP project strong ground motion database and selection of suitable ground motion models for the Western Balkan Region. Bull Earthquake Eng 15, 1319–1343 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-016-9950-3