A note on time of maximum response of single degree of freedom oscillator to earthquake excitation

Abstract

The dependence of the relative time of maximum response of single degree of freedom system, subjected to recorded strong earthquake ground motion, on magnitude, epicentral distance and the Modified Mercalli Intensity at the site has been studied. Two empirical regression models are presented that enable estimation of the relative time of maximum response in terms of (1) earthquake magnitude and epicentral distance, or (2) Modified Mercalli Intensity at the site. The empirical distribution functions of the observed times of maximum response are presented. Both models also consider whether motion is horizontal or vertical, and the effects of the geologic conditions surrounding the site. The results are useful for the response spectrum approach in earthquake resistant design, as they provide guidelines for superposition of different loads in time.