Ground Motion Characteristics Research Articles

Surrogate modeling of structural seismic response using probabilistic learning on manifolds

AbstractNonlinear response history analysis (NLRHA) is generally considered to be a reliable and robust method to assess the seismic performance of buildings under strong ground motions. While NLRHA is fairly straightforward to evaluate individual structures for a select set of ground motions at a specific building site, it becomes less practical for performing large numbers of analyses to evaluate either (1) multiple models of alternative design realizations with a site‐specific set of ground motions, or (2) individual archetype building models at multiple sites with multiple sets of ground motions. In this regard, surrogate models offer an alternative to running repeated NLRHAs for variable design realizations or ground motions. In this paper, a recently developed surrogate modeling technique, called probabilistic learning on manifolds (PLoM), is presented to estimate structural seismic response. Essentially, the PLoM method provides an efficient stochastic model to develop mappings between random variables, which can then be used to efficiently estimate the structural responses for systems with variations in design/modeling parameters or ground motion characteristics. The PLoM algorithm is introduced and then used in two case studies of 12‐story buildings for estimating probability distributions of structural responses. The first example focuses on the mapping between variable design parameters of a multidegree‐of‐freedom analysis model and its peak story drift and acceleration responses. The second example applies the PLoM technique to estimate structural responses for variations in site‐specific ground motion characteristics. In both examples, training data sets are generated for orthogonal input parameter grids, and test data sets are developed for input parameters with prescribed statistical distributions. Validation studies are performed to examine the accuracy and efficiency of the PLoM models. Overall, both examples show good agreement between the PLoM model estimates and verification data sets. Moreover, in contrast to other common surrogate modeling techniques, the PLoM model is able to preserve correlation structure between peak responses. Parametric studies are conducted to understand the influence of different PLoM tuning parameters on its prediction accuracy.

TWO-STEP OPTIMIZATION OF TUNED INERTIAL MASS DAMPERS FOR ELASTIC-PLASTIC MDOF STRUCTURES USING TIME-FREQUENCY DUAL DOMAIN PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

The purpose of this paper is to propose a two-step optimization method to design tuned inertial mass dampers for elastic-plastic MDOF structures using the time-frequency dual domain performance evaluation. Although the frequency-domain-based approach allows us to obtain the optimal design independent of the characteristics of disturbances, it cannot consider the elastic-plastic response of structures. On the other hand, the time-domain design is highly dependent on the characteristics of design earthquake ground motions. The proposed two-step method resolves these issues by use of dual-domain information. Finally, the response analysis for recorded ground motions demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed design method.

Peculiar characteristics of ground motions in Southern Italy: Insights from global and regional ground motion models

We investigate peculiar characteristics of ground motions in Southern Italy (e.g. apparent fast anelastic attenuation and trends of event terms at different periods) using a comprehensive dataset of earthquake recordings between 1969 and 2020. By doing so, we gained insights into the relative performance of eight selected region-specific, global, and global with regional adjustment ground motion models (GMMs). Our analysis is performed using a preliminary dataset (i.e. including all ground motions recorded in the area for the selected analysis period) and an independent dataset (i.e. comprising data not used to develop the models). We analyze total residuals, event terms, within-even residuals, and residuals standardized by model standard deviations (i.e. epsilon). The latter is performed to obtain a robust comparison of GMMs with different standard deviation types and levels. These approaches are employed to ground motion characterization studies for the first time in this region. Our results show that in Southern Italy, there is an apparent anelastic attenuation of the ground motion faster than in other seismic districts. Overall, regional models capture this feature better than global models. Regional adjustments to global models better capture the observed anelastic attenuation at large distances. Using the standardized residuals analysis, we observe that all selected GMMs systematically underestimate the observed ground motion for relatively high ground motion levels and its variability at any intensity levels in the study region. These outcomes may help improving future ground motion models and related engineering applications involving such models in performance-based frameworks.

Seismic Deformation Evaluation of High Concrete Face Rockfill Dam Based on Stochastic Dynamic Analysis Method

Most of the existing studies on high dams under seismic action use stable ground motions, which cannot simulate the non-stationary process of practical ground motions well. Although many scholars have studied the special characteristics of ground motion frequency and intensity lately, relatively few systematic studies have been carried out for the residual deformation of practical high dam projects. In this paper, considering the special characteristics of ground motions, 144 non-stationary stochastic seismic acceleration time histories are generated by the spectral expression-random function method, and stochastic dynamic calculations are carried out for four three-dimensional models of Gushui, Lava, Dashixia, and Ciha Gorge, respectively. We analyze the acceleration and residual deformation laws of four concrete face rockfill dams (CFRDs) based on the generalized probability density evolution method (GPDEM) and extreme value distribution theory. According to the results, the reference value of the dam body deformation of the 250 m panel under different seismic intensities is given, and the settlement at the dam crest is proposed. When the safety control standard is 1.0~1.1%, the ultimate seismic capacity of the 250 m face rockfill dam is 0.7~0.8 g.

Spatial variation of strong ground motions in a heterogeneous soil site based on observation records from a dense array

The difference in local sediment thickness and soil properties has a significant impact on the spatial variation mechanism of seismic ground motion in the engineering scale. Due to the scarcity of observation data of dense arrays, the existing theoretical studies are mostly developed by numerical simulation methods, including human factors and a large number of assumptions. In view of this, based on the multistation observation records of the Luxian MS 6.0 earthquake and Yibin MS 5.1 earthquake obtained using a Zigong dense array, the study quantitatively analyzes the spatial characteristics of ground motion in heterogeneous soil sites by integrating a theoretical model with numerical analysis. In this study, many popular approaches including root-mean-square acceleration, horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) of microtremor and strong motion records, and lagged coherency are comprehensively utilized to make the conclusion accurate and reliable. The results show that local soil conditions could affect the attenuation of coherence function with distance. The station-pairs with similar HVSR characteristics generally present a higher coherence level when the difference of the interstation distance is less than 100 m. In addition, the coherency function between stations will be greatly reduced when the H/V spectral ratio characteristics differ greatly, which is also obvious in the low-frequency part below 5 Hz. Finally, a lagged coherency model that considers the influence of heterogeneous soil is constructed in this study. The model has a definite physical meaning and can better represent the spatial variation of ground motion at nonbedrock sites.

Sensitivity of structural responses to the processing of near-fault ground motion records containing fling-step

Fling-step is one of the important characteristics of near-fault ground motions that is caused by a permanent static offset of the ground and appears as a one-sided velocity pulse and a large residual displacement at the end of the motion. Due to baseline errors in many ground motion records, they are processed (processing is a combination of baseline correction and filtering) before adding accelerograms to some earthquake databases whereby the residual displacements ( i.e., the permanent static offsets) in the fling records are typically eliminated. It is not clear to what extent the record processing can affect the nonlinear responses of structures subjected to fling-step records. To address this issue, the current study is conducted to investigate the sensitivity of the nonlinear structural responses to record processing. To achieve this goal, the seismic responses of three code-conforming reinforced concrete (RC) special moment-resisting frames with different heights subjected to two versions of fling-step ground motions including a processed version that static offsets are removed, and a baseline-corrected version with static offsets preserved are evaluated. The findings of this assessment indicate that even though the processing procedure does not preserve the static offsets of the fling-step ground motions, the seismic responses of the structures to the processed records may resemble those obtained under only the baseline-corrected ground motions (with static offsets preserved).

Estimation of broadband ground motion characteristics considering source parameter uncertainty and undetermined site condition in densely populated areas of Pingwu

Three destructive earthquakes occurred in Pingwu and Songpan, Sichuan Province, China, between August 16 and 23, 1976. Due to the seismic monitoring capability at that time, the ground motion characteristics of these earthquakes are very vague. Realistc and reliable strong ground motion input plays an important role in seismic building design and urban-scale earthquake damage simulation. This study reproduces the main broadband ground motion characteristics of the 1976 Ms7.2 Songpan earthquake in densely populated areas of Pingwu. The empirical Green’s function method and finite difference method are used to simulate high-frequency and low-frequency ground motion, respectively, and the broadband ground motion is obtained by superposition within the frequency range. In addition, in combination with the “Recipe” source parameter scheme, various uncertainties in the source parameters are considered, including the source mechanism, source depth, asperity parameters, etc. We obtain 36 kinds of broadband ground motion at six typical locations in the Pingwu area. Moreover, we test the rationality of the obtained broadband ground motion by ground motion prediction equations(GMPEs), and the broadband ground motions are consistent with the local ground motion characteristics. The results show broadband ground motions obtained from the scenario earthquake in this paper can meet the destructive capacity of earthquakes of this magnitude. The hybrid method can effectively compensate for the lack of long-period components of the original empirical Green function method. This research also proves that the peak ground acceleration (PGA) of ground motion is mainly contributed by high-frequency ground motion components. Long-period ground motion contributes most to the peak ground velocity (PGV), and about twice the contribution of high-frequency ground motion. Concerning the Chinese seismic intensity scale (GB/T 17742-2020) and China Seismic Ground Motion Parameter Zoning Map (GB18306-2015), the basic fortification intensity in the Pingwu area is VIII. In this paper, the seismic intensity of PWN is VI-VII, indicating that the buildings at this location are less likely to be damaged after the earthquake. The seismic intensity of other regions is VII-IX and buildings are more likely to be damaged during the earthquake at these locations. There are many mountains and valleys in the Pingwu area, and the probability of landslides, debris flows, and other disasters after an earthquake is very high, and we should give special attention to the impact of secondary disasters caused by earthquakes. It is necessary to prevent dammed lakes and other disasters caused by landslides and debris flows.

Quantification of rupture directivity effects on strong ground motion during the 8 January 2022 MS6.9 Menyuan earthquake in Qinghai, China

On 8 January 2022, an MS6.9 earthquake occurred in the Menyuan county, Qinghai province at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. A dense observatory network consisting of accelerographs and intensity meters has obtained many acceleration recordings in this region, which previously had only a few strong motion recordings. Using acceleration data recorded by 141 accelerographs and micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS)-based intensity meters within 100 km of the causative fault, we investigated the spatial distribution and attenuation characteristics of the near-source ground motion during this event. The observed response spectra were compared with the prediction obtained using the NGA-West2 models. It was found that, in the long-period section of >1.0 s, the acceleration response spectra in the rupture forward direction (southeast of the epicenter) were greater than the prediction, while observations on the northwest side were lower than the prediction. Through the spatial distribution of the ground motion and quantitative analysis of the residuals, we found that the rupture directivity effects on the ground motions were controlled by the spatial azimuth relative to the fault and the along-strike projected length of the rupture, which mainly affected the long-period portion of the >1.0 s. In the rupture forward direction, the spectral accelerations (SAs) with periods of 1.0–10.0 s were enhanced to 1.18–1.56 times the average. In the backward direction (northwest of the epicenter), the SAs with periods of 1.0–10.0 s were only 0.63–0.86 times the average. The rupture directivity effects during the MS6.9 (MW6.6) earthquake exhibited an obvious period-dependence and narrowband characteristics, and the amplification effects were the strongest at 5.0 s. The amplification factors in the straight forward directions were underestimated by the empirical model. Two typical velocity pulse records were observed in the rupture forward direction, and their response spectra were significantly amplified at long periods of greater than 1.0 s, with peak amplification values of 4.0–6.0 near the characteristic period of the pulses. This amplification was related to the resonance excited by a specific periodic pulse. Our study provides a reference of quantifying near-source effects for both moderate and major shallow crustal earthquakes by using MEMS recordings in this region.

Empirical relationships for estimating the crest settlement of earth-core rockfill dams subjected to earthquakes

In this study, new empirical predictive relationships for earthquake-induced crest settlement of earth-core rockfill dams (ECRDs) were developed. A case history database of 19 dams that had been subjected to earthquakes was utilized. The presented relationships correlate the intensity measure (IM) of the earthquake records with the observed settlements, and thus, employing IMs that appropriately describe the severity of ground motion is of vital importance. It is well known that the dynamic properties of an ECRD can change significantly depending on the severity of an earthquake, and that this phenomenon can substantially impact the dynamic responses of dams. Accordingly, two IMs were suggested, taking into account the essential characteristics of ground motions affecting the nonlinear behaviour of ECRDs. The results indicate that the proposed relationships effectively address the limitations of the existing ones, and that they are practical tools that efficiently predict the seismic settlements of ECRDs.

A numerical study of 3D topographic site effects considering wavefield incident direction and geomorphometric parameters

The topographic site effect plays a vital role in controlling the characteristics of earthquake ground motions. Due to its complexity, the factors affecting topographic amplification have not been fully identified. In this study, 100 ground motion simulations generated by double-couple point sources in the homogeneous linear elastic half-space are performed based on the 3D (three-dimensional) Spectral Element Method, taking the Menyuan area of Qinghai Province, China as a local testbed site. A relationship between incident direction and the strength of topographic amplification has been observed. The horizontal ground motion is affected by the back-azimuth, which is typically chosen to be the direction from seismic station to seismic source measured clockwise from north. Specifically, the east-west PGA (Peak Ground-motion Acceleration) is significantly amplified when back-azimuth is about 90° or 270°, and the north-south PGA is significantly amplified when back-azimuth is around 0° or 180°. The vertical ground motion is affected by the dipping angle, which is the angle from vertical at which an incoming seismic wave arrives. The vertical PGA is strongly amplified when the seismic wave is almost horizontally incident (e.g., dipping angle = 78°). A correlation study between geomorphometric parameters and frequency-dependent topographic amplification indicates that relative elevation and smoothed curvature contain similar information, both of which are closely related to the topographic amplification of horizontal components, but not the vertical component. Our study reveals the influence of source and propagation path on topographic amplification and provides a reference for considering the topographic site effect in real engineering sites.

Application of Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment to Understand the Earthquake Hazard in Attock City, Pakistan: A Step towards Linking Hazards and Sustainability

Within the last three decades, twelve major earthquakes (Mw > 6.0) have jolted Pakistan and contributed to a heavy death toll and an economic loss of billions of dollars, which is immense for any underdeveloped country. Despite the generalized description of seismic hazards in various regions of Pakistan, densely populated cities still require a detailed and integrated vulnerability analysis to overcome the impact of a significant earthquake. This study aims to integrate seismic hazard assessment schemes to understand the vulnerability of Attock city against an earthquake. It initially evaluates the threat from an earthquake due to tectonic activity in the region, splits the region (about 200 km radius) into six seismic zones and uses area source parameters. The ground motion prediction equations compatible with the study area’s seismotectonic environment are also used in this study. Peak horizontal ground acceleration (PGA) and 5% damped spectral acceleration are critical features of ground motions. The site classification is carried within Attock city, indicating the presence of SB (foundation condition with Vs30 = 760 m/s), SC (foundation condition with Vs30 = 400 m/s) and SD (foundation condition with Vs30 = 300 m/s). The peak ground accelerations for a return period of 475 years at the SB, SC and SD sites are estimated as 0.23 g, 0.28 g and 0.30 g, respectively. Uniform hazard spectra are obtained for each site classification at three return periods (475, 975 and 2475 years). Another possible threat can be the local site conditions of the study area, as Attock city exists on the unlithified sediments of upper Pleistocene to Recent alluvial deposits. That is why microtremor recordings are conducted at 20 sites within Attock city to understand the fundamental frequency (f0), horizontal to vertical spectral amplitude (A0) and Kg parameter, a seismic vulnerability index. The values of f0 are found between 0.6 and 9 Hz and A0 is observed between 2.1 and 5 Hz, whereas the Kg is estimated between 0.24 and 20 Hz. Despite evidence of the seismic vulnerability of Attock city, the current building designs and infrastructure development are not synchronized with the uniform hazard response spectra and the soil amplification, thus enhancing the exposure of the study area to disaster during a major earthquake. This study will be instrumental in pre-disaster mitigation strategies for urban planners and policymakers.

1596年慶長伏見地震における伝統木造建物被害の分析

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the reason of the difference in damage between Tofukuji Temple and Toji Temple in the 1596 Keicho-fushimi Earthquake. First, the differences of building damage at two temples are summarized. Next, we conduct microtremor measurements of the buildings and ground in two temples. These results reveal differences in amplification characteristics of ground motions due to the subsurface structure of the Kyoto basin. Therefore, we examine the differences in amplification characteristics of pulse-like ground motions and their consistency with the damage situation in the 1596 earthquake using two-dimensional ground models.

Response of base–isolated structures-evaluation of different isolation systems

Base isolation is a seismic mitigation technique that separates the structure from the ground motion by placing isolators between the foundation and the superstructure. This creates a flexible base that allows the structure to move independently of the ground, reducing the seismic forces transmitted to the superstructure. Different isolation systems have been developed, each with advantages and disadvantages. This paper evaluates the seismic response of base-isolated structures with varying isolation systems under various earthquake ground motions. The results show that base isolation can significantly reduce the seismic response of structures and that the effectiveness of different isolation systems depends on ground motion characteristics.

Influence of Ground Motion Characteristics on Higher-Mode Effects and Design Strategy for Tall Pier Bridges

Influence of Ground Motion Characteristics on Higher-Mode Effects and Design Strategy for Tall Pier Bridges

Seismic performance of concrete-filled steel tubular composite columns with ultra high performance concrete plates

Two 1:8 scale specimens were designed and created to examine the seismic performance of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) composite columns with ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) plates. Ground motion characteristics, axial pressure ratio, plate material, and mainshock-aftershock sequences were used as parameters in the pseudo-dynamic test study. The results show that the ground motion characteristics have a significant effect on the seismic response of the specimen; The initial stiffness of the specimens is mostly unaffected by the axial pressure ratio. Furthermore, the larger the axial pressure ratio, the earlier the specimen enters yielding and the more severe the final failure phenomenon; After UHPC was used in place of the plate material, the specimen's initial stiffness rose by about 13.7%, the stiffness degradation of the specimen was somewhat delayed, and the hysteretic energy dissipation increased by about 41.2%.; The specimen undergoes elastic, elastoplastic, and plastic failure stages under the aftershocks of increasing intensity. Under the mainshock-aftershock sequences of the same intensity, the seismic response of the specimens under the aftershock was not much different compared to the mainshock, and the hysteretic energy dissipation was about 67.7% and 74.5% of the mainshock respectively. These structures can withstand multiple earthquakes and have demonstrated good seismic performance.

A database of ground motion recordings, site profiles, and amplification factors from the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands

A comprehensive database that has been used to develop ground motion models for induced earthquakes in the Groningen gas field is provided in a freely accessible online repository. The database includes more than 8500 processed ground motion recordings from 87 earthquakes of local magnitude ML between 1.8 and 3.6, obtained from a large network of surface accelerographs and borehole geophones placed at 50 m depth intervals to a depth of 200 m. The 5%-damped pseudo-acceleration spectra and Fourier amplitude spectra of the records are also provided. Measured shear-wave velocity (VS) profiles, obtained primarily from seismic Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs), are provided for 80 of the ∼100 recording stations. A model representing the regional dynamic soil properties is presented for the entire gas field plus a 5 km onshore buffer zone, specifying lithology, VS, and damping for all layers above the reference baserock horizon located at about 800 m depth. Transfer functions and frequency-dependent amplification factors from the reference rock horizon to the surface for the locations of the recording stations are also included. The database provides a valuable resource for further refinement of induced seismic hazard and risk modeling in Groningen as well as for generic research in site response of thick, soft soil deposits and the characteristics of ground motions from small-magnitude, shallow-focus induced earthquakes.

A Novel Pulse-Based Estimation of Response Spectra for Strong Ground Motions

ABSTRACT A method is proposed to quantitatively capture the unique characteristics of strong ground motions using idealized pulses. The pulse motions described here use limited parameters (PGA or PGV and duration of pulse) in contrast to the methodologies involving several parameters and assumptions. This simple method also provides an advantage to specify hazard in regions where a few recorded ground motions are available; ballpark values of pulse parameters can be used to arrive at the response spectra required in the seismic design. The physics of ground shaking is captured here mathematically using idealized pulses only, without any “random shaking.”

Compound intensity measures for improved seismic performance assessment in cross-fault hydraulic tunnels using partial least-squares methodology

Seismic performance assessment of cross-fault hydraulic tunnels is typically expressed in terms of the probability of reaching or exceeding specific damage states related to earthquake intensity measures (IMs) and engineering demand parameters (EDPs). Obviously, this would require determining the appropriate earthquake IMs to reflect the seismological characteristics of ground motions and improving the predictive ability for the EDPs of cross-fault hydraulic tunnels. It is worth emphasising that an unreasonable IM may increase the ground motion uncertainty, which in turn introduces additional uncertainty to the EDP estimates of cross-fault hydraulic tunnels. Hence, this study presents a compound IM, integrating multiple earthquake IMs, to improve the reliability of the seismic fragility analysis of a cross-fault hydraulic tunnel based on the partial least squares methodology. To this end, seven scalar IMs are first determined from the 20 examined earthquake IMs as the fundamental element of the compound IM using four test criteria. Subsequently, a 1080 complete nonlinear dynamic time history analysis of the cross-fault hydraulic tunnel using the incremental dynamic analysis method is conducted to generate a large amount of data. The findings of this study highlight that the compound IM-based probabilistic seismic demand models of the cross-fault hydraulic tunnel incorporate various sources of uncertainties, which enhances the correlation, efficiency, practicality, and proficiency of probabilistic seismic demand analysis and eventually leads to a more reasonable estimation of probabilistic failure. Moreover, the potential of nonlinear polynomial regression of compound IM can further improve the correlation and efficiency of probabilistic seismic demand analysis. Relative to the classical fragility curves utilising a single optimum-IM peak ground velocity, the probability of damage to the cross-fault hydraulic tunnel under a particular damage state related to the compound IM is significantly larger than the corresponding single optimum-IM peak ground velocity. Similarly, the probability of damage to the cross-fault hydraulic tunnel under the Wenchuan seismic event is underestimated, derived from a single optimum-IM peak ground velocity. The abovementioned phenomena demonstrate that a compound IM based on the partial least squares methodology can be suggested for use in estimating the probability of structural damage in performance-based earthquake engineering.

Seismic Behaviour of Shallow Tunnelling Method Tunnels Accounting for Primary Lining Effects

The shallow tunnelling method (STM) is usually used to construct shallow tunnels buried in soft ground. It consists of primary lining and secondary lining (tunnel). In the seismic design of STM tunnels, it is usually assumed that the secondary lining (tunnel) is resistant to all seismic effects. However, the soil–primary–secondary lining system may generate complex interaction phenomena during ground shaking. Compared with the case where the primary lining is not considered, the existence of the primary lining alters the seismic response of the secondary lining (tunnel). The paper attempts to investigate this complex interaction, focusing on the response of the secondary lining (tunnel). The full dynamic time history analysis is adopted to investigate the interaction in the transversal direction. A case history of the Hohhot (China) arched STM tunnel buried in a stratified soil deposit has been analyzed. Two tunnel configurations for a two-dimensional plane strain model of STM tunnels in Hohhot are studied and compared, including a model with primary lining and one without primary lining. A numerical parametric analysis was conducted to elucidate critical response characteristics of STM tunnels. Salient parameters that may affect the dynamic response of the tunnel were studied, including the characteristics of ground motion, the characteristics of contact interface, the characteristics of the soil, and the characteristics of the tunnel lining. The response characteristics of the tunnel are compared and discussed, including horizontal acceleration, deformation mode, lining internal force, and lining damage. The results show that the primary lining has a significant influence on the magnitude and distribution of the seismic response, especially considering the nonlinearity of the soil and the nonlinear characteristics of the tunnel lining. The effect of primary lining on the seismic response is about 5%–35 %.

A Simplified Approach for Analysis of MDOF Systems Considering Soil - Structure Coupling

It is common to design structures on the fundamental assumption that the base is fixed and that the ground motion experienced by its base is the same as the free-field ground motion. For structures supported on soft soil, the base motion experienced by the structure is generally different from the free-field motion, as it could include possible sliding and rocking motion of the flexible medium and dissipation of vibration energy through the soil in the form of damping. The seismic response of a structure at a particular location depends on the characteristics of ground motion at source, and; modified mode shapes and vibration periods because of soil structure coupling. Thus, the ground motion that reaches the foundation can be significantly different from that at bedrock level and there is a possibility of response amplification when vibration period of the structure is close to that of the input ground motion modified by local soil conditions. Soil Structure Coupling (SSC) is a process wherein the structure and its supporting soil medium interact with one another to influence the behaviour of both. SSC normally leads to an increase in natural period of the structure, increased damping and an increase in lateral displacements of the structure. The effect of SSC is commonly ignored, because it is often a valid assumption. However, such effects can, in particular circumstances, be detrimental to the structure. The paper presents a simplified procedure for finding out the response of three-storey structure due to the effect of SSC. A simple practical method to assess the likely impact of SSC on the response of a MDOF structure is presented, which can help the researchers understand the detailed behaviour of soil and structure during seismic events. Detailed step-by-step procedure is presented by solving a numerical problem.