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A geographical information system managing geotechnical data for Athens (Greece) and its use for automated seismic microzonation

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Abstract

This article presents a geographical information system (GIS) which manages geotechnical data obtained from detailed geotechnical surveys as well as from in situ observations in Athens, Greece. Thoroughly examined data from more than 2,000 exploratory boreholes and trial pits located in the wider area of Athens have been incorporated using a relational database system. From the analysis of these results, thematic maps are compiled to illustrate the distribution of engineering geological information (e.g. the depth of the “Athens schist” head). In addition, a methodology for an automated GIS-aided seismic microzonation study is outlined and is being employed taking into account the aforementioned geotechnical and engineering geological information, as well as existing seismological data to estimate the variability of seismic ground motion for the southern part of Athens.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to sincerely thank the two anonymous reviewers for their help in improving the quality of the manuscript. The basic coverages of Figures 5, 8–11, 14, 15, 17, 18 were provided by the Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works in the frame of a research program funded by this Ministry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geotechnical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou St, 157 80, Zografou, Athens, Greece

    A. A. Antoniou & G. Tsiambaos

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece

    A. G. Papadimitriou

Authors
  1. A. A. Antoniou
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  2. A. G. Papadimitriou
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  3. G. Tsiambaos
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Correspondence to A. A. Antoniou.

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Antoniou, A.A., Papadimitriou, A.G. & Tsiambaos, G. A geographical information system managing geotechnical data for Athens (Greece) and its use for automated seismic microzonation. Nat Hazards 47, 369–395 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-008-9226-6

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