A sectionalized-dual-band method for the selection of ground motion record sets

Abstract

It is of great importance to select appropriate ground motion records for time-history dynamic analysis of structures. The consistency between record response spectral shape and seismic design response spectral shape is the basic principle for records selection. A sectionalized-dual-band (SDB) method considering influence of higher modes was proposed to select ground motion records according to the seismic fortification intensity requirements and the site characteristic. Furthermore, the newly proposed method has been employed to construct record sets within the whole response spectrum period. As compared with other traditional methods, the records obtained from the SDB method are more effective in predicting base shear derived from time-history dynamic analysis. When the period of a structure is determined, the records in the matched period range of the records set can be directly used to conduct time-history dynamic analysis. This method can avoid tedious work for reselecting ground motion records for different structures in the same seismic design intensity and site conditions.