| Abstract: | A method for generating synthetic strong motion accelerograms for use in engineering design is presented. This method utilizes the model proposed by Trifunac in 197127 in conjunction with the recent empirical scaling functions for characterization of amplitudes and duration of strong shaking in terms of (i) earthquake magnitude, M, and epicentral distance, R, or (ii) Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) at the recording station. The method also enables one to consider the desired levels of confidence that the synthetic motion will not be exceeded, direction of ground motion (horizontal or vertical) and the dispersive properties of geologic environment beneath and surrounding the station. The principal features of this approach are that the resulting accelerograms have non-stationary frequency and amplitude characteristics which are in full agreement with known principles of wave propagation through a stratified medium, and that the Fourier amplitudes and the frequency-dependent duration are scaled in accordance with known trends as in recorded accelerograms. |
