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A simple model for strong ground motions and response spectra

January 1, 1988

A simple model for the description of strong ground motions is introduced. The model shows that response spectra can be estimated by using only four parameters of the ground motion, the RMS acceleration, effective duration and two corner frequencies that characterize the effective frequency band of the motion. The model is windowed band-limited white noise, and is developed by studying the properties of two functions, cumulative squared acceleration in the time domain, and cumulative squared amplitude spectrum in the frequency domain. Applying the methods of random vibration theory, the model leads to a simple analytical expression for the response spectra. The accuracy of the model is checked by using the ground motion recordings from the aftershock sequences of two different earthquakes and simulated accelerograms. The results show that the model gives a satisfactory estimate of the response spectra.

Publication Year 1988
Title A simple model for strong ground motions and response spectra
DOI 10.1002/eqe.4290160204
Authors Erdal Safak, Charles Mueller, John Boatwright
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics
Index ID 70013844
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse