LAUSR

Abstract This study proposed a hybrid method combining finite element method (FEM) and a wave function based on the Lamb series in conjunction with modified transfinite interpolation for use in examining surface accelerations on a semi-elliptical hill subjected to shear horizontal (SH) waves of various dimensionless frequencies (η) at various incident angles (θ). The case topography included a semi-elliptical hill of fixed height adjacent to a semi-elliptical alluvial valley of variable depth (EHAV). Differences in site effects between EHAV and a single semi-elliptical hill (or a semi-elliptical alluvial valley) were investigated as a function of the modified transmissibility (TR). Variations in TR associated with η clearly revealed the resonance frequencies (RFs), associated with an elevated probability of landslides. Our simulation results revealed a larger number of RFs form in hills adjacent to AV than in isolated hill. This study proposes a systematic approach for the analysis of site effects of EHAV, focusing on the identification of potential landslides due to seismic waves excitation.