Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis of peak ground acceleration for major regional New Zealand locations

This paper presents site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) results at 24 locations throughout New Zealand (NZ). Specifically, peak ground acceleration (PGA) hazard curves for two generic soft soil conditions are considered. For specific return periods of interest, seismic hazard disaggregation is used to obtain the percentage contributions of various seismic sources to the hazard, including metrics such as mean earthquake magnitude used for simplified geotechnical calculations. The seismic hazard analyses utilise concensus models for seismic source and ground-motion characterisation, including consideration of alternative ground-motion models. The analyses therefore represent an appreciable improvement relative to the science that underpin current loading standards [e.g., 1,2]. Consequently, we advocate the use of these results as a scientific basis for potential revisions to standards and guidance documents that characterise seismic hazard via PGA.