Local site seismic response in an Inter-Andean valley: Geotechnical characterization and seismic amplification zonation of the southern Quito area
by Jorge Albuja Sánchez 1
1: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE)
This presentation was part of iUE’s webinar Soil Functions and Related Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Cities, held in June 2025.
iUE’s webinar Soil Functions and Related Ecosystem Services for Sustainable Cities explored the vital role of soil functions in building sustainable urban and regional planning strategies. It featured experts from Latin America and Europe, who gave insights into how soil considerations are being integrated worldwide. The event was organised in collaboration with the SPADES (Spatial Planning and DEsign with Soil) project.
About the Author
Jorge Albuja Sánchez (Ecuador) is Dean of the Faculty of Habitat, Infrastructure, and Creativity at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE). He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from the University of Ferrara, Italy, and an MSc. in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics from Imperial College London. His research focuses on seismic response and geotechnical challenges in urban Andean environments.
Jorge’s presentation focused on current research addressing local seismic response in the inter-Andean valley of southern Quito. It explored the geotechnical characterization of volcanic and alluvial deposits and their role in seismic amplification. Using field and lab data —including MASW, CPTu, and dynamic testing— the study proposes a zonation of seismic amplification levels to support resilient urban planning and infrastructure design in high-risk Andean regions.
