Seismic wave simulation using a 3D printed model of the Los Angeles Basin

Abstract

Studying seismic wave propagation through complex media is crucial to numerous aspects of geophysics and engineering including seismic hazard assessment. In particular, small-scale structure such as sedimentary basins and their edges can have significant effects on high-frequency earthquake ground motion, which is the main cause for the damage to buildings and infrastructure. However, such structural effects are poorly understood due to limitations in numerical and analytical methods. To overcome this challenge, for the first time, we utilize the 3D printing technique to build a scaled-down physical representation of geological structure and perform lab-scale seismic experiments on it. Specifically, a physical model based on the Los Angeles Basin is printed and used as synthetic medium to propagate ultrasonic waves, to mimic seismic wave propagation from local earthquakes. Our results show clear body and surface waves recorded at expected time and locations, as well as waves that are scattered from the basin edges. We find that high-frequency energies are significantly reduced at the basin, which is at odds with the conventional view of basins as ground motion amplifiers. This novel waveform modeling approach with 3D printed Earth models is largely automated and provides an effective means to tackle geophysical problems of significance.

Quantitative characterization of the failure behavior of dangerous rocks based on the Frozen-Thawing Test

“…Based on X-ray computerized tomography (micro-CT) and 3DP technology, Zhu et al 14 prepared resin specimens whose characteristics are similar to those of natural volcanic rocks. Park et al 15 printed a geological physical model based on the Los Angeles Basin using stainless steel powder as the printing substrate. Que et al 16 combined the Voronoi diagram and 3DP technology to produce an irregular columnar jointed mold, which enabled the high-precision preparation of columnar jointed rock masses with different dip directions and angles.…”