Abstract:

The overburden thickness, stiffness and the layered sequence are important factors which affect the vibration characteristic of ground motion. The dynamic time-history analysis is one of the useful methods to deal with such problems. However, when the dynamic time-history analysis is used, it will take much time to finish complicated numerical models and calculations. Sometimes it is impossible that any anticipated results can be obtained because of numerical algorithm instability. A fast time-history algorithm is put forward to calculate the layered site response effect according to the principle of seismic wave propagation of the layered elastic medium. As a series analytical approach algorithm, not a numerical method, the algorithm need not solve equations based on discrete network models, thus it can improve the calculative efficiency enormously. Finally, the feasibility and the usability of the algorithm are also proved by some test models.

Key words: layered-soil site, site response effect, ground motions, synthesis of ground motions, time history analysis