Generation of Synthetic Ground Motion

Hwang, Howard; Pezeshk, Sharam; Lin, Yang-Wei; He, Jiang; Chiu, Jer-Ming

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/9263 Copy

Description

Title

Generation of Synthetic Ground Motion

Author(s)

• Hwang, Howard
• Pezeshk, Sharam
• Lin, Yang-Wei
• He, Jiang
• Chiu, Jer-Ming

Issue Date

2001-02

Keyword(s)

• Mid-America Earthquake (MAE) Center
• Ground Motion

Abstract

This report presents a method for generating synthetic ground motions. In this method, the characteristics of seismic source, path attenuation, and local soil condition are taken into account, when generating synthetic ground motions. Given a moment magnitude and an epicentral distance, we use a stochastic model to generate an acceleration time history at the rock outcrop. Then, we perform a nonlinear site response analysis to generate an acceleration time history at the ground surface. Variability of ground motion resulting from uncertainties in modeling of seismic source, path attenuation, and local site condition is not included in this report and is addressed in the paper by Hwang (2000). The method has been applied to generate synthetic ground motions resulting from large New Madrid earthquakes. In this study, a deep soil profile overlaying the bedrock was established based on a boring log in the Memphis area. In addition, 12 pairs of moment magnitudes and epicentral distances were selected, and for each pair of moment magnitude and epicentral distance, two samples of ground motion at the rock outcrop and at the ground surface were simulated; thus, a total of 24 synthetic acceleration time histories were generated at the rock outcrop and at the ground surface. For different combinations of moment magnitude and epicentral distance, the synthetic ground motions have different amplitude and duration. It is noted that the seismic source is modeled as a point source; thus, the ground motions simulated in this study are appropriate for far- field condition. These ground motions may be used to perform seismic response analysis of buildings and bridges located on the top of a deep soil profile in the central United States.

Series/Report Name or Number

Mid-America Earthquake Center CD Release 01-02

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/9263

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

National Science Foundation EEC-9701785

Owning Collections