Probable earthquake ground motion as related to structural response in Las Vegas, Nevada

Ground motion parameters are necessary for structural damage assessments and dynamic effects prediction in Las Vegas, Nevada. To develop these, a model of tectonic activity in the southern Basin and Range province was constructed on the basis of late Cenozoic patterns of crustal deformation, estimates of regional strain rates in Holocene time, and historic seismicity. From this information, the region surrounding Las Vegas was subdivided into six seismotectonic zones. Historic seismicity was analyzed on the basis of seismographically recorded earthquakes and compared with long-term seismotectonic activity. Apparent agreement between the two sets of data indicates that the average rates of historic seismicity observed in the areas analyzed are reasonably representative of long-term seismicity. Magnitude-recurrence relationships were developed for each of the six seismotectonic zones, and probable maximum values of peak ground acceleration in Las Vegas were calculated using a computer program (HAZARD) developed for the study. Probable causative earthquake magnitudes in each source zone, probable values of duration of seismic shaking, and predominant periods likely to be associated with various peak accelerations were also determined.