An analysis of strong-motion accelerometer data from the San Francisco earthquake of March 22, 1957

The San Francisco earthquake of March 22, 1957, was recorded simultaneously by accelerometers at five United States Coast and Geodetic Survey stations in the San Francisco area. Response spectrum curves were computed from the acceleration-time records, and from these response spectrum curves the spectrum intensities have been determined. From these spectrum intensities certain conclusions are drawn as to: (1) the effects of local geology on the recorded ground motions; (2) the calculation of total energy released by the earthquake from strong-motion accelerometer records; (3) possible influence of structural dynamic behavior on the accelerations recorded in building basements, and the relationship between basement accelerations and ground accelerations; and (4) the applicability of a simplified type of strong-motion earthquake instrument for investigations of local distribution effects. A general comparison is made between the present earthquake and typical Pacific Coast earthquakes