On the possible use of the not-honoring method to include a real thrust into 3D physical based simulations

In this paper we analyze the effects of a passive fault-zone (FZ) on seismic wave propagation and, consequently, on the damage pattern produced in simulations. The computational domain corresponds to the Middle-Aterno valley and the passive fault is the Gran Sasso thrust. The fault is included in the domain using a not-honoring approach. Point sources, at different positions, are applied to better appreciate the effects of the fault shape. A test without any fault has been done to exclude any contribution of the topography.The results show that the presence of a fault-zone modifies the seismic wave paths at least in the range of the investigated frequencies. Indeed, a remarkable increase in the recorded displacement is observable, especially in the direction of the negative fault curvature. Therefore, passive fault-zones can be useful when included in the physically based models for seismic risk assessment.