Criteria for processing response-spectrum-compatible seismic accelerations simulated via spectral representation

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The spectral representation method is a quick and versatile tool for the generation of spatially variable, response-spectrum-compatible simulations to be used in the nonlinear seismic response evaluation of extended structures, such as bridges. However, just as recorded data, these simulated accelerations require processing, but, unlike recorded data, the reasons for their processing are purely numerical. Hence, the criteria for the processing of acceleration simulations need to be tied to the effect of processing on the structural response. This paper presents a framework for processing acceleration simulations that is based on seismological approaches for processing recorded data, but establishes the corner frequency of the high-pass filter by minimizing the effect of processing on the response of the structural system, for the response evaluation of which the ground motions were generated. The proposed two-step criterion selects the filter corner frequency by considering both the dynamic and the pseudo-static response of the systems. First, it ensures that the linear/nonlinear dynamic structural response induced by the processed simulations captures the characteristics of the system`s dynamic response caused by the unprocessed simulations, the frequency content of which is fully compatible with the target response spectrum. Second, it examines the adequacy of the selected estimate for the filter corner frequency by evaluating the pseudo-static response of the system subjected to spatially variable excitations. It is noted that the first step of this two-fold criterion suffices for the establishment of the corner frequency for the processing of acceleration time series generated at a single ground-surface location to be used in the seismic response evaluation of, e.g. a building structure. Furthermore, the concept also applies for the processing of acceleration time series generated by means of any approach that does not provide physical considerations for the selection of the corner frequency of the high-pass filter.