Seismosoil Dynamics of Foundations in Mexico City Earthquake, September 19, 1985

Abstract

Mexico City's strong earthquake of September 19, 1985, induced many evident seismic phenomena at the ground surface and building foundations because of the seismic wave action. The paper is devoted to report briefly some of the studies made by the author because of this unfortunate phenomenon. For better understanding the seismic action the geotechnical environment of Mexico City is presented and a seismic record is analyzed. A method to estimate the seismic pore water pressure is given. Instrumentation designed and used by the author is presented along with investigation of the necessary dynamic parameters to be applied in the analysis of seismic wave action. The malfunction of friction piles is discussed to visualize the importance of the seismic pore water pressure in the reduction of the shearing strength. In summary, the paper is intended to stress the importance to investigate the effects of the seismic wave action close to the ground surface and building foundations in Mexico City.