Paper contribution

Comparison of Empirical Vs30 Modeling and Field Measurements in Kosova Using GIS-Based Spatial Analysis

Latif Hasi; Julijana Bojadjieva; Kemal Edip; Vlatko Sheshov; Irena Gjorgjeska; Toni Kitanovski; Dejan Ivanovski; Nazmi Hasi

Proceedings
EUROCK 2026
Pages
623-628
Submitted
16 April 2026
Accepted
15 June 2026
Published
12 August 2026

Summary

Abstract

Shear-wave velocity in the upper 30m (Vs30) is a key parameter for seismic site classification and hazard assessment. In regions with limited geophysical data, global empirical models, such as the slope-based approach developed by Allen and Wald (2007), are often used to estimate Vs30. This method relies on the correlation between terrain slope and shear-wave velocity: steep areas generally expose bedrock with higher Vs values, while flat areas typically contain softer materials with lower values. However, this approach does not always fully account for local geological characteristics. This study evaluates the accuracy of the Allen and Wald global model in Kosova by comparing predicted values with locally measured values obtained from field investigations using the MASW method. Model values were extracted at measurement locations using QGIS to analyze spatial deviations. The comparison assesses how well the global model represents local site conditions to identify potential differences. Ultimately, the analysis aims to evaluate the applicability of the slope-based method in Kosova and examine its limitations for detailed seismic site classification. Field measurements play a crucial role in ensuring more accurate seismic site characterization because they provide direct, location-specific data on subsurface conditions, reducing uncertainties associated with global or proxy-based estimation methods.

Contributors

Authors

  1. Latif Hasi University of Prishtina, Kosovo ORCID 0000-0003-4676-1422
  2. Julijana Bojadjieva Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), Macedonia ORCID 0000-0003-4047-7500
  3. Kemal Edip Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), Macedonia ORCID 0000-0003-3394-510X
  4. Vlatko Sheshov Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), Macedonia ORCID 0000-0002-1692-2064
  5. Irena Gjorgjeska Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), Macedonia
  6. Toni Kitanovski Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), Macedonia
  7. Dejan Ivanovski Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (UKIM), Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology (IZIIS), Macedonia
  8. Nazmi Hasi University of Mitrovica “Isa Boletini”, Kosovo

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References

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