| Earthquake Hazards Mapping Seismic Slope Stability Map of Greater Victoria - Map
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INTRODUCTION
Seismic slope hazard mapping is intended to show relative susceptibility
to earthquake-induced slope failures. This map is part of a larger earthquake hazard
mapping project. Two companion earthquake hazard maps are published separately: an
"Amplification of Ground Motion and Liquefaction Hazard Map" and a composite map
showing all three hazards. Detailed descriptions of the methodology and the classification
system used to prepare this seismic slope hazard map are provided in the Thurber
Engineering Ltd. report entitled "Victoria Microzonation of Seismic Slope Hazards,
Summary Report" to the Capital Regional District, dated January 23, 1998.
The maps are intended to provide basic regional data for land use planning, community
planning and emergency response planning. Although this map can be used with other
criteria to help planners select potential areas for development, avoid geologically
vulnerable areas and to prioritize seismic upgrading programs, this map does not replace
the need for site-specific geotechnical evaluations. |
METHODOLOGY
The seismic slope hazard map is based on a compilation of existing
subsurface data, previous slope stability assessments, bedrock geology and surficial
geology maps, topographic data, and airphoto interpretation. Limited field observations
were made at representative sites as well as sites flagged during airphoto interpretation
as potentially unstable. Stability analyses were conducted on twelve different slope
models including typical or simplified slopes found throughout the Victoria area as well
as specific, complex slope models where more detailed information was available. The
stability analyses determined both the static factor of safety and the yield acceleration
(the intensity of seismic motions that would cause a slope failure). |
SEISMIC
SLOPE HAZARD CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The seismic slope hazard map uses a 5 class system (very low, low,
moderate, high and very high) based primarily on the yield accelerations determined from
the stability analyses. The general criteria for soil slopes using yield acceleration were
as follows: |
Hazard Rating |
Yield Acceleration
(g = acceleration due to gravity) |
Probability of Slope Failure
(in 50 years) |
Very High |
less than 0.05g |
greater than 62% |
High |
0.05g to 0.15g |
16 to 62% |
Moderate |
0.15g to 0.25g |
8 to 16% |
Low |
greater than 0.25g |
less than 8% |
Very Low |
n/a |
n/a |
| Rock slopes were considered more qualitatively.
The two most common rock types in Greater Victoria are relatively stable with relatively
low relief, thus were generally given a low hazard rating. The potential for boulder
ravelling or very small rock falls exists throughout much of these hilly areas,
particularly during an earthquake, but overall such rock hazards are of relatively minor
regional impact and can only be identified by site specific assessments. A low hazard
rating is a reflection of the relative overall slope stability hazard and does not imply
that a structure located at the base of a steep bedrock slope within such an area is safe
since the map is not intended to identify hazards on a lot by lot basis. The Mount
Finlayson/Malahat/Goldstream River area consists of steeper terrain, greater relief, and
much weaker bedrock creating steeply eroded valley terrain that poses considerably greater
terrain hazards. Bedrock also has a direct influence on the slope stability at the north
end of the Saanich Peninsula where northward dipping bedding in the sedimentary bedrock
forms potential failure surfaces for the overlying colluvium.
The study, as a rule, does not consider stability hazards created by cuts or fills for
roads or developments because such conditions are constantly changing and are usually at a
scale that requires a detailed, site-specific assessment. Exceptions to this rule pertain
primarily to areas where there has been large scale alterations to the natural terrain. In
such cases, a natural hazard rating has been given along with a second rating pertaining
to the areas altered by development (i.e. L( H*)) means a low seismic slope hazard
naturally but several areas of anthropogenically-caused high hazard identified).
The slope hazard classes do not consider subaqueous failures that may occur along the
coastline or the shores of lakes since slope conditions below the water cannot be assessed
by airphotos and are not included on the T.R.I.M. maps. Polygons along the coastline refer
to the seismic slope hazard above the high water level. A low rating does not necessary
mean the slope should be safe during an earthquake since a subaqueous failure could impact
the slope above the shoreline. |
QUALIFICATIONS
AND LIMITATIONS OF THIS MAP
The map is intended for regional purposes only, such as land use and
emergency response planning and should not be used for site specific evaluations, property
assessments or approving suitability for development. Responsibility for independent
conclusions, interpretations or decisions by those using this map, lie with the user,
including decisions to either purchase or sell land.
This map has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted hazard mapping
practices. The map boundaries are based primarily on a slope map prepared from T.R.I.M.
data, airphoto interpretation, regional surficial and bedrock geology maps and available
site specific assessments or investigations. As such, the level of detail is not
consistent across the entire map area or even within any given portion of the map area.
Those areas where a site assessment has been conducted will have been mapped and analysed
in much greater detail than other areas. The boundaries of each map polygon are
approximate only, particularly where less detailed information was available. Also, each
polygon has been given a rating that is considered representative of the relative seismic
slope hazard but may often contain smaller areas with both higher and lower hazard
ratings.
There is a practical limit to the size of potential slope failures that can be
considered in a regional mapping study. Small failures caused by locally steeper terrain,
not readily apparent on the slope map, or pockets of colluvium on a steep rock slope,
cannot be identified at this scale. As a rule, the seismic slope hazard ratings do not
consider hazards caused by cuts, fills, or other anthropogenic alterations to the natural
terrain. Exceptions to this rule have been noted. |
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