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This paper presents an overview of the soil profile characteristics at strong motion station (SMS) locations in the Christchurch Central Business District (CBD) based on recently completed geotechnical site investigations. Given the variability of Christchurch soils, detailed investigations were needed in close vicinity to each SMS. In this regard, CPT, SPT and borehole data, and shear wave velocity (Vs) profiles from surface wave dispersion data in close vicinity to the SMSs have been used to develop detailed representative soil profiles at each site and to determine site classes according to the New Zealand standard NZS1170.5. A disparity between the NZS1170.5 site classes based on Vs and SPT N60 investigation techniques is highlighted, and additional studies are needed to harmonize site classification based on these techniques. The short period mode of vibration of soft deposits above gravels, which are found throughout Christchurch, are compared to the long period mode of vibration of the entire soil profile to bedrock. These two distinct modes of vibration require further investigation to determine their impact on the site response. According to current American and European approaches to seismic site classification, all SMSs were classified as problematic soil sites due to the presence of liquefiable strata, soils which are not directly accounted for by the NZS1170.5 approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Christchurch-specific empirical correlation between shear wave velocity (Vs) and cone penetration test (CPT) data developed by McGann et al. [1-3] for the non-gravel soils of the Christchurch and Springston Formations is evaluated through comparison to Vs profiles obtained using surface wave analysis techniques at twelve Christchurch strong motion stations. These comparisons highlight the similarities and differences between the Vs profiles obtained from each approach, and allow for an assessment of the relative strengths and weaknesses of each. It is shown that, with known differences, the results of the surface wave analysis and CPT correlation compare well in terms of their independently obtained Vs magnitudes. The sources of the differences between the results of each method are identified and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]