Synthesis of stochastic representations of ground motions

In this paper, we study a number of stochastic models including stationary, nonstationary, and linear processes for the purpose of simulating earthquake- or explosion-induced ground motions. The important statistical characteristics of each model and their effects on structural systems are investigated in some detail. We obtain expressions for the mean-square response of simple linear mass-spring oscillators to each model. We discuss numerical procedures for time series simulations of these models. The objectives of this paper are (i) to examine and compare the statistical properties and effects on structures of all possible stochastic processes applicable to model ground motions and (ii) to offer engineers a basis for forming their own judgments.