Guidelines for determination of site-specific earthquake design motion for the eastern United States

This paper outlines the development of a methodology and guidelines for estimation of earthquake ground motion appropriate for seismic designs on a site-specific basis. The guidelines, to be completed in early 1993, will have particular emphasis on sites in the eastern US. The methodology will explicitly treat the variability in ground motion contributed separately from the earthquake fault (source), propagation of energy in the earth (path), and modification of ground motion near the earth's surface (site). For site screening purposes, generic soil models will yield well-constrained estimates of ground motion from earthquakes from a wide range of magnitudes and distances. For site permitting, the geotechnical guideline will provide detailed guidance for a user to carry out a systematic and thorough site geotechnical investigation and site response analysis appropriate for NRC licensing consideration