Figure 1

On Figure 1 are shown the three components of the proposed project problem for underground structure vulnerability: (a) seismic source; (b) inhomogeneous, anisotropic geological continuum for the wave path; (c) local finite region containing underground structures and infrastructure.

More specifically, we propose the development, validation and use of a hybrid 3D model for the numerical simulation of the seismic response of an underground structure in a localized, finite-layered geological region, taking into consideration the entire wave path from the seismic source, moving through inhomogeneous and anisotropic soil regions, and reaching the buried structure under consideration, see Figure 1.

The results from such numerical simulations will then be used to establish the vulnerability of the buried infrastructure to various realistic ground motion scenarios through the construction of fragility curves. In the end, this information can be used to either to further improve the design of buried infrastructure or to devise strategies for its maintenance and/or rehabilitation. Finally, all venues of research dissemination (publications, reports, software, dedicated webpage, patents) will be explored in an effort to reach out to the engineering community.