Optimum Method of Generating Pulse Trains Corresponding to the Random Excitation Motions Based on Structural Response : Method by Means of the Evaluation of Response Spectra

Abstract

Generation method of appropriate pulse trains which should be utilized as alternative excitation inputs for the structural response analysis in terms of various types of random excitation is presented. Criteria for getting optimum pulse trains are established based on the evaluation of the structural response spectra. Fundamental consideration are briefly made concerning the comparison of the response properties through random motions with those through pulse trains taking a single-degree-of-freedom systems as a structure model. Results obtained fairly well correspond to the experimental results of a shaking test. Shape and number of the pulse trains can be optimally determined by the calculation of the difference of the response spectra among both input cases within the periods including main natural periods of structures. Optimization can be successfully carried out by taking artificially simulated narrow-band excitations and nonstationary broad-band excitations like seismic motions as inputs for numerical examples.