A numerical study on effect of underground cavities on seismic ground response due to Rayleigh wave propagation

Abstract Recent studies found that some structural damage can be attributed to the effect of surface waves. A shallow underground structure may heavily influenced by waves, which makes lose energy over distance more slowly than body This study deals with evaluating Rayleigh waves (R-waves) interaction cavities on seismic ground response and amplification pattern using Finite Element Method (FEM). First, FEM model was verified ensure its accuracy. Then, influences effective parameters, such as cavity burial depth, from axis, dimensionless incident frequency were investigated. Parametric revealed amplitude motion is greater in presence a respect free-field condition. It indicated cause cases larger depth ratio. By moving away wave source, receiver points has declining trend. Due complex R-waves cavity, right side less left side. Finally, increasing frequency, distribution displacements diffraction patterns gradually becomes complicated while peak displacement components decrease. Consequently, light importance R-wave subsurface spaces, findings this help improve design procedures microzonation guidelines.