Structural Engineering and Mechanics

Volume 27, Number 2, 2007, pages 173-197

DOI: 10.12989/sem.2007.27.2.173

Applications of the wavelet transform in the generation and analysis of spectrum-compatible records

Luis E. Suarez and Luis A. Montejo

Abstract

A wavelet-based procedure to generate artificial accelerograms compatible with a prescribed seismic design spectrum is described. A procedure to perform a baseline correction of the compatible accelerograms is also described. To examine how the frequency content of the modified records evolves with time, they are analyzed in the time and frequency using the wavelet transform. The changes in the strong motion duration and input energy spectrum are also investigated. An alternative way to match the design spectrum, termed the ?two-band matching procedure?, is proposed with the objective of preserving the non-stationary characteristics of the original record in the modified accelerogram.

Key Words

spectrum compatible accelerograms; wavelet transform; baseline correction; input energy spectrum; strong motion duration.

Address

Luis E. Suarez: Dept. of Civil Engineering and Surveying, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico 00681-9041, U.S.A. <br />Luis A. Montejo: Dept. of Civil Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7908, U.S.A.