Simplified procedure for simulating spatially correlated earthquake ground motions

An approach has been developed for the simulation of spatially correlated ground motions statistically analogous with a reference record. This procedure makes use of a discrete representation of the ground motion as a random process in terms of its frequency components and subdivides the known record into a sequence of time windows to account for its temporal variation. Ground motions, consistent with both the target auto-spectrum of the known record and a frequency-dependent coherency function, were simulated at different stations. Model diagnostic checking showed that this simplified procedure is accurate and applicable for discretely supported systems such as suspension and cable-stayed bridges, particularly when used in conjunction with seismological models to generate strong motion spatially correlated accelerograms.