Dynamic properties of Byblos municipality building with soil-structure interaction using geophysical methods

Research reveals that the Byblos Municipality building, a critical infrastructure for disaster response, exhibits dynamic properties influenced by soil-structure interaction (SSI), with potential resonance risks during seismic events. The study employed the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVNR) method to analyze ambient noise recordings, identifying structural frequencies and damping characteristics while also determining natural soil frequency. Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) was used alongside classical geotechnical tests to assess subsurface stiffness and shear wave velocities. Comparative analysis with a finite element model (FEM) and conventional building code formulae highlighted discrepancies in resonance frequency predictions, underscoring the need for refined seismic risk mitigation strategies. This work provides critical insights into SSI dynamics for earthquake-resistant design in historically significant coastal urban areas.

Makhoul, N., & Harb, J. (2017). Dynamic properties of Byblos municipality building with soil-structure interaction using geophysical methods. Procedia Engineering, 199, 206–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.09.002