PSHA-Based Design Spectrum: An Application of the Design Spectrum Predictive Model for Seismic Regulation Purposes

ABSTRACT

This paper represents the continuation of previous research works, in which a predictive model for spectral ordinates instrumental for design was developed. In particular, the objective of the present study is to show how to apply the model within a probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). The model, which takes into account soil nonlinearity, is based on five parameters (i.e. peak spectral acceleration and displacement, their structural periods of occurrence and a parameter that controls the spectral ordinates at the intermediate period range), which are defined as a function of three different soil classes (i.e. rock, stiff soil, and soft soil). The outcome is a PSHA-based design spectrum (PBDS), which represents a direct tool for seismic design obtained from a PSHA. Examples of PBDS for Italy are also discussed and compared with the design spectra defined by the current Italian seismic code.

KEYWORDS:

• PSHA
• ground motion models
• soil classes
• soil nonlinearity
• uniform hazard spectrum

Acknowledgments

The work presented in this paper has been partly developed within the framework of the project “Dipartimenti di Eccellenza”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, and within the framework of “RELUIS-DPC”, founded by the Italian Department of Civil Protection, which is also greatly acknowledged by the authors.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.