Identification of representative and efficient groups of design earthquake inputs

The core idea of the PBSD is the probabilistic assessment of the structural performances due to seismic action. Within this framework a central role is played by the so called PSDHA; the main shortcoming which prevent the effective application of such a approach currently lies in the large dispersion of the structural response (as evaluated through properly chosen DM or EDP) obtained from non-linear dynamic analysis which uses as input selected earthquake acceleration time histories. This paper, referring to a general procedure for the identification of representative groups of earthquake inputs proposed by the authors identifies a practical proposal for the effective application of the methodology based upon the use of a vector-valued IM composed of PGA and PGV, and proposes the use of “representative” EPI groups characterised by a (1) a vectorial IM composed of PGA and PGV and (2) a specific ratio of near-field records to far-field records.