Seismic Characterization of Neapolitan Soils

Detailed shear-wave velocity profiles versus depth have been obtained in typical lithostratigraphies of Napoli. FTAN and hedgehog methods have been applied to Rayleigh surface waves recorded in refraction seismic surveys. The comparison with literature measurements shows good agreement with nearby down- and cross-hole tests. The pumiceous and lapilli content, and the different welding and alteration degree of the Neapolitan pyroclastic soils cause a strong scattering of the shear wave velocities (VS) from bore-hole measurements, even for the same formation. Surface measurements, based on FTAN-hedgehog methods, determine average VS along travel paths of about 100 m, give results that are comparable with down- and cross-hole velocity profiles, and have the additional advantage of being less scattered, and thus more representative of average properties than bore-hole measurements. The results of surface measurements should be preferred in the computation of realistic seismograms and are particularly suitable in urban areas, as they are not destructive and need just one receiver.