Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Current empirical ground-motion prediction equations for Europe and their application to Eurocode 8

  • Original Research Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The first ground-motion prediction equation derived from European and Middle Eastern strong-motion data was published more than 30 years ago; since then strong-motion networks and the resulting databank of accelerograms in the region have expanded significantly. Many equations for the prediction of peak ground-motion parameters and response spectral ordinates have been published in recent years both for the entire Euro-Mediterranean and Middle Eastern region as well as for individual countries within this region. Comparisons among empirical ground-motion models for these parameters, developed using large regional datasets, do not support the hypothesis of there being significant differences in earthquake ground-motions from one area of crustal seismicity to another. However, there are certain regions within Europe—affected by different tectonic regimes—for which the existing pan-European equations may not be applicable. The most recent European equations make it possible to now implement overdue modifications to the presentation of seismic design actions in Eurocode 8 that allow an improved approximation to the target uniform hazard spectrum (UHS). Using these recent equations, this study outlines a new approach via which an approximation to the UHS may be constructed using hazard maps calculated for peak ground velocity and the corner period T D in addition to the maps for peak ground acceleration that underpin the current stipulations of Eurocode 8.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abrahamson NA, Shedlock KM (1997) Overview. Seismol Res Lett 68(1): 9–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Abrahamson NA, Silva W (2008) Summary of the Abrahamson & Silva NGA ground-motion relations. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 67–97. doi:10.1193/1.2924360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abrahamson NA, Birkhauser P, Koller M, Mayer-Rosa D, Smit P, Sprecher C, Tinic S, Graf R (2002) PEGASOS—a comprehensive probabilistic seismic hazard assessment for nuclear power plants in Switzerland. Proceedings of the 12th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering. London, Paper no. 633

  • Abrahamson NA, Atkinson G, Boore D, Bozorgnia Y, Campbell K, Chiou B, Idriss IM, Silva W, Youngs R (2008) Comparison of the NGA ground-motion relations. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 45–66. doi:10.1193/1.2924363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akkar S, Bommer JJ (2006) Influence of long-period filter cut-off on elastic spectral displacements. Earthq Eng Struct Dynam 35(9): 1145–1165. doi:10.1002/eqe.577

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akkar S, Bommer JJ (2007a) Empirical prediction equations for peak ground velocity derived from strong-motion records from Europe and the Middle East. Bull Seismol Soc Am 97(2): 511–530. doi:10.1785/0120060141

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akkar S, Bommer JJ (2007b) Prediction of elastic displacement response spectra in Europe and the Middle East. Earthquake Eng Struct Dynam 36(10): 1275–1301. doi:10.1002/eqe.679

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN (1975) Trends in engineering seismology in Europe. Proceedings of the Fifth European Conference on Earthquake Engineering vol I. Istanbul, pp 39–52

  • Ambraseys NN (1978) Preliminary analysis of European strong-motion data 1965–1978. Bull Eur Assoc Earthq Eng 4: 17–37

    Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN (1995) The prediction of earthquake peak ground acceleration in Europe. Earthquake Eng Struct Dynam 24(4): 467–490. doi:10.1002/eqe.4290240402

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN, Bommer JJ (1991) Attenuation of ground accelerations in Europe. Earthquake Eng Struct Dynam 20(12): 1179–1202. doi:10.1002/eqe.4290201207

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN, Bommer JJ (1995) Attenuation relations for the use in Europe: an overview. Proceedings, SECED Conference on European Seismic Design Practice. Chester, Balkema, pp 67–74

  • Ambraseys NN, Simpson KA, Bommer JJ (1996) Prediction of horizontal response spectra in Europe. Earthquake Eng Struct Dynam 25(4): 371–400. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1096-9845(199604)25:4<371::AID-EQE550>3.0.CO;2-A

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN, Smit P, Douglas J, Margaris B, Sigbjörnsson R, Ólafsson S, Suhadolc P, Costa G (2004) Internet site for European strong-motion data. Bollettino di Geofisica Teorica ed Applicata 45(3): 113–129

    Google Scholar 

  • Ambraseys NN, Douglas J, Sarma SK, Smit PM (2005) Equations for the estimation of strong ground motions from shallow crustal earthquakes using data from Europe and the Middle East: horizontal peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration. Bull Earthq Eng 3(1): 1–53. doi:10.1007/s10518-005-0183-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Berge-Thierry C, Cotton F, Scotti O, Griot-Pommera D-A, Fukushima Y (2003) New empirical attenuation laws for moderate European earthquakes. J Earthq Eng 7: 193–222. doi:10.1142/S1363246903001061

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bommer JJ, Alarcón JE (2006) The prediction and use of peak ground velocity. J Earthq Eng 10(1): 1–31. doi:10.1142/S1363246906002463

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bommer JJ, Douglas J (2004) Record processing methods utilized by networks. Proceedings of the COSMOS Workshop on record processing guidelines. Richmond, California. http://www.cosmos-eq.org/Projects/Bommer_Douglas_Paper.pdf

  • Bommer JJ, Mendis R (2005) Scaling of displacement spectral ordinates with damping ratios. Earthq Eng Struct Dynam 34(2): 145–165. doi:10.1002/eqe.414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bommer JJ, Pinho R (2006) Adapting earthquake actions in Eurocode 8 for performance-based seismic design. Earthq Eng Struct Dynam 35(1): 39–55. doi:10.1002/eqe.530

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bommer JJ, Elnashai AS, Chlimintzas GO, Lee D (1998) Review and development of response spectra for displacement-based design. ESEE Research Report No. 98-3. Imperial College, London

  • Bommer JJ, Elnashai AS, Weir AG (2000) Compatible acceleration and displacement spectra for seismic design codes. Proceedings of the Twelfth World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Auckland. Paper No. 207

  • Bommer JJ, Scherbaum F, Bungum H, Cotton F, Sabetta F, Abrahmson NA (2005) On the use of logic trees for ground-motion prediction equations in seismic hazard assessment. Bull Seismol Soc Am 95(2): 377–389. doi:10.1785/0120040073

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bommer JJ, Stafford PJ, Alarcón JE, Akkar S (2007) Ground-motion predictions over an extended magnitude range. Bull Seismol Soc Am 97(6): 2152–2170. doi:10.1785/0120070081

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boore DM (2003) Simulation of ground motion using the stochastic method. Pure Appl Geophys 160: 635–676. doi:10.1007/PL00012553

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boore DM (2005) Long-period ground motions from digital acceleration recordings: a new era in engineering seismology. In: Gülkan P, Anderson JG (eds) Directions in strong motion instrumentation. Springer, Dordrecht, pp 41–54

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Boore DM, Atkinson GM (2008) Ground-motion prediction equations for the average horizontal component of PGA, PGV, and 5%-damped PSA at spectral periods between 0.1 s and 10.0 s. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 99–138. doi:10.1193/1.2830434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boore DM, Bommer JJ (2005) Processing strong-motion accelerograms: needs, options and consequences. Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 25(2): 93–115. doi:10.1016/j.soildyn.2004.10.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bour M, Cara M (1997) Test of a simple empirical Green’s function method on moderate-sized earthquakes. Bull Seismol Soc Am 87(3): 668–683

    Google Scholar 

  • Bragato PL, Slejko D (2005) Empirical ground-motion attenuation relations for the Eastern Alps in magnitude range 2.5–6.3. Bull Seismol Soc Am 95(1): 252–276. doi:10.1785/0120030231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cameron WI, Green RU (2007) Damping correction factors for horizontal ground-motion response spectra. Bull Seismol Soc Am 97(3): 314–331. doi:10.1785/0120060034

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell KW, Bozorgnia Y (2006) Next generation attenuation (NGA) empirical ground motion models: can they be used in Europe? Proceedings of the 1st European Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Seismology. Geneva. Paper no. 458

  • Cambell KW, Bozorgnia Y (2008) NGA ground motion model for the geometric mean horizontal component of PGA, PGV, PGD and 5%-damped linear elastic response spectra at periods ranging from 0.1 s to 10.0 s. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 139–171. doi:10.1193/1.2857546

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cauzzi C, Faccioli E (2008) Broadband (0.05 to 20 s) prediction of displacement response spectra based on worldwide digital records. J Seismol 12(4): 453–475. doi:10.1007/s10950-008-9098-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • CEN (2004) Eurocode 8, Design of structures for earthquake Resistance—Part 1: general rules, seismic actions, and rules for buildings. EN 1998-1:2004. Comité Européen de Normalisation, Brussels

  • Chiou BS-J, Youngs RR (2008) An NGA model for the average horizontal component of peak ground motion and response spectra. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 173–215. doi:10.1193/1.2894832

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiou BS-J, Darragh R, Gregro N, Silva W (2008) NGA project strong-motion database. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 23–44. doi:10.1193/1.2894831

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cotton F, Pousse G, Bonilla F, Scherbaum F (2008) On the discrepancy of recent European ground-motion observations and predictions from empirical models: analysis of Kik-net accelerometric data and point-source stochastic simulations. Bull Seismol Soc Am 98(5): 2244–2261. doi:10.1785/0120060084

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Danciu L, Tselentis GA (2007) Engineering ground-motion parameters attenuation relationship for Greece. Bull Seismol Soc Am 97(1B): 162–183. doi:10.1785/0120050087

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas J (2003a) Earthquake ground motion estimation using strong-motion records: a review of equations for the estimation of peak ground acceleration and response spectral ordinates. Earth Sci Rev 61: 43–104. doi:10.1016/S0012-8252(02)00112-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas J (2003) What is a poor quality strong-motion record?. Bull Earthq Eng 1: 141–156. doi:10.1023/A:1024861528201

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Douglas J (2007) On the regional dependence of earthquake response spectra. ISET J Earthq Technol 44(1): 71–99

    Google Scholar 

  • Drouet S, Chevrot S, Cotton F, Souriau A (2008) Simultaneous inversion of source spectra, attenuation parameters, and site responses: application to the data of the French accelerometric network. Bull Seismol Soc Am 98(1): 198–219. doi:10.1785/0120060215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Faccioli E, Paolucci R, Rey J (2004) Displacement spectra for long periods. Earthq Spectra 20(2): 347–376

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • FEMA (2003) HAZUS-MH Technical Manual. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC

  • Frisenda M, Massa M, Spallarossa D, Ferretti G, Eva C (2005) Attenuation relationships for low magnitude earthquakes using standard seismometric records. J Earthq Eng 9(1): 23–40. doi:10.1142/S1363246905001839

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fukushima Y, Berge-Thierry C, Volant P, Griot-Pommera D-A, Cotton F (2003) Attenutaion relation for West Eurasia determined with recent near-fault records from California, Japan and Turkey. J Earthq Eng 7(4): 573–598. doi:10.1142/S1363246903001413

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gaspar-Escribano JM, Benito B, García-Mayordomo J (2008) Hazard consistent response spectra in the region of Murcia (Southeast Spain): comparison to earthquake-resistant provisions. Bull Earthq Eng 6(2): 179–196. doi:10.1007/s10518-007-9051-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gülkan P, Kalkan E (2002) Attenuation modelling of recent earthquakes in Turkey. J Seismol 6(3): 397–409. doi:10.1023/A:1020087426440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hartzell SH (1978) Earthquake aftershocks as Green’s function. Geophys Res Lett 5: 1–4. doi:10.1029/GL005i001p00001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • IAEE (1996) Regulations for seismic design: A world list—1996. International Association for Earthquake Engineering, Tokyo

  • ICC (1997) Uniform Building Code. International Code Council

  • ICC (2000) International Building Code. International Code Council

  • Idriss IM (2008) An NGA empirical model for estimating the horizontal spectral values generated by shallow crustal earthquakes. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 217–242. doi:10.1193/1.2924362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kamae K, Irikura K, Pitarka A (1998) A technique for simulating strong ground motion using hybrid Green’s function. Bull Seismol Soc Am 88(2): 357–367

    Google Scholar 

  • Khademi MH (2002) Attenuation of peak and spectral accelerations in the Persian Plateau. In: Proceedings of the 12th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering. London, UK. Paper No. 330

  • Marin S, Avouac JP, Marc N, Schlupp A (2004) A probabilistic approach to seismic hazard in Metropolitan France. Bull Seismol Soc Am 94: 2137–2163. doi:10.1785/0120030232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McVerry GH, Zhao JX, Abrahamson NA, Somerville PG (2006) New Zealand acceleration response spectrum attenuation relations for crustal and subduction earthquakes. Bull N Z Soc Earthq Eng 39(1): 1–58

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti (2008) Nuove norme tecniche per le costruzioni. Gazzetta Ufficiale 29 (Supplemento Ordinario 30). http://www.regione.emilia-romagna.it/wcm/geologia/canali/sismica/il_quadro_nazionale/il_testo_unico_norme_costruzioni/normativa_dic_07.pdf (in Italian)

  • NEHRP (2003) The 2003 NEHRP recommended provisions for new buildings and other structures. Part 1: Provisions (FEMA 450). Federal Emergency Management Agency. Washington, DC

  • Özbey C, Sari A, Manuel L, Erdik M, Fahjan Y (2004) An empirical attenuation relationship for Northwestern Turkey ground motion using a random effects approach. Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 24(2): 115–125. doi:10.1016/j.soildyn.2003.10.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pavic R, Koller MG, Bard P-Y, Lacave-Lachet C (2000) Ground motion prediction with the empirical Green’s function technique: an assessment of uncertainties and confidence level. J Seismol 4: 59–77. doi:10.1023/A:1009826529269

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Power M, Chiou B, Abrahamson N, Bozorgnia Y, Shantz T, Roblee C (2008) An overview of the NGA project. Earthq Spectra 24(1): 3–21. doi:10.1193/1.2894833

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rey J, Faccioli E, Bommer J (2002) Derivation of design soil coefficient (S) and response spectral shapes for Eurocode 8 using the European strong-motion database. J Seismol 6(4): 547–555. doi:10.1023/A:1021169715992

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sabetta F, Pugliese A (1996) Estimation of response spectra and simulation of nonstationary earthquake ground motions. Bull Seismol Soc Am 86(2): 337–352

    Google Scholar 

  • Scherbaum F (1994) Modelling the Roermond earthquake of 1992 April 13 by stochastic simulation of its high-frequency strong ground motion. Geophys J Int 119(1): 31–43. doi:10.1111/j.1365-246X.1994.tb00911.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scherbaum F, Cotton F, Smit P (2004) On the use of response spectral-reference data for the selection and ranking of ground-motion models for seismic-hazard analysis in regions of moderate seismicity: the case of rock motion. Bull Seismol Soc Am 94(6): 2164–2185. doi:10.1785/0120030147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scherbaum F, Bommer JJ, Cotton F, Bungum H, Sabetta F (2006) Ground-motion prediction in PSHA: a post-PEGASOS perspective. Proceedings of the First European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Geneva. Paper no. 1312

  • Schwarz J, Ende C, Habenberger J, Lang DH, Baumbach M, Grosser H, Milereit C, Karakisa S, Zünbül S (2002) Horizontal and vertical response spectra on the basis of strong-motion recordings from the 1999 Turkey earthquakes. In: Proceedings of the XXVIII General Assembly of the European Seismological Commission (ESC)

  • Smit PM (1998) The Swiss national strong motion network— Achievement and prospect. Proceedings of the Eleventh European Conference on Earthquake Engineering. Paris

  • Stafford PJ, Strasser FO, Bommer JJ (2008a) An evaluation of the applicability of the NGA models to ground-motion prediction in the Euro-Mediterranean region. Bull Earthquake Eng 6(2): 149–177. doi:10.1007/s10518-007-9053-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stafford PJ, Mendis R, Bommer JJ (2008) The dependence of spectral damping ratios on duration and number of cycles. J Struct Eng 134(8): 1364–1373. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(2008)134:8(1364)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theodulidis NP (1998) Peak ground acceleration attenuation of small earthquakes: analysis of Euroseistest, Greece, data. In: Irikura et al. (eds) The effects of surface geology on seismic motion. Balkema, pp 1171–1176

  • Ulusay R, Tincay E, Sonmez H, Gokceoglu C (2004) An attenuation relationship based on Turkish strong motion data and iso-accelerationmap of Turkey. Eng Geol 74(3-4): 265–291. doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2004.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zaré M, Sabzali S (2006) Spectral attenuation of strong motions in Iran. In: Proceedings of the third international symposium of the effects of surface geology on seismic motion. Grenoble, France. Paper No. 146

  • Zonno G, Montaldo V (2002) Analysis of strong ground motions to evaluate regional attenuation relationships. Ann Geophys 45(3–4): 439–454

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

    Julian J. Bommer & Peter J. Stafford

  2. Civil Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, 06531, Turkey

    Sinan Akkar

Authors
  1. Julian J. Bommer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Peter J. Stafford
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sinan Akkar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Julian J. Bommer.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bommer, J.J., Stafford, P.J. & Akkar, S. Current empirical ground-motion prediction equations for Europe and their application to Eurocode 8. Bull Earthquake Eng 8, 5–26 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-009-9122-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-009-9122-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation