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Strong motion observations and recordings from the great Wenchuan Earthquake

Li Xiaojun¹, Zhou Zhenghua^1, Yu Haiyin¹, Wen Ruizhi^1, Lu Dawei^2, Huang Moh³, Zhou Yongnian¹ and Cu Jianwen⁴

1. Institute of Engineering Mechanics, China Earthquake Administration, Harbin 150080, China
2. National Earthquake Infrastructure Service, Beijing, China
3. California Geological Survey, Sacramento, USA
4. Yunnan Provincial Earthquake Administration, Kunming, China

Abstract:  The National Strong Motion Observation Network System (NSMONS) of China is briefly introduced in this paper. The NSMONS consists of permanent free-field stations, special observation arrays, mobile observatories and a network management system. During the Wenchuan Earthquake, over 1,400 components of acceleration records were obtained from 460 permanent free-field stations and three arrays for topographical effect and structural response observation in the network system from the main shock, and over 20,000 components of acceleration records from strong aftershocks occurred before August 1, 2008 were also obtained by permanent free-field stations of the NSMONS and 59 mobile instruments quickly deployed after the main shock. The strong motion recordings from the main shock and strong aftershocks are summarized in this paper. In the ground motion recordings, there are over 560 components with peak ground acceleration (PGA) over 10 Gal, the largest being 957.7 Gal. The largest PGA recorded during the aftershock exceeds 300 Gal.

Keywords:   Wenchuan Earthquake; strong motion observation network; mobile observation; observation array; strong motion record; PGA