NDSHA—A Reliable Modern Approach for Alternative Seismic Input Modelling

The energy-based design concept considers earthquake effect as an energy input and how this energy is distributed within the structure. The structural damage indicates that some of this energy was not duly dissipated by the structure. Realistic alternative time histories representation of seismic action is crucial for reliable assessment of the earthquake energy input, transmitted to the structures, as well as for relevant damage capacity of the site-specific seismic actions. The Neo-Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment approach, NDSHA formulated at the turn of Millennium provides a reliable base for further cause–failure–impact analyses and can be applied for SHA at local, national, and regional scales. NDSHA, in its standard form, defines the hazard as the largest ground shaking at the site, computed considering a large set of scenario earthquakes, including the maximum credible earthquake (MCE), whose magnitude and focal mechanism is defined from regional seismic history and seismotectonics. This approach allows for a realistic description of the seismic ground motion due to an earthquake of given epicentral distance and magnitude at any point of interest within a given construction site. It relies on the existing acquired expert information—usually available via the technical documentation of the infrastructure projects—e.g., the comprehensive geological reports that provides detailed geological and geophysical data on the site. This contribution provides a brief description of the worldwide-validated NDSHA tools and illustrates their relevance for the energy-based design concept.