Characterization of Earthquake Ground Motions and Hazards for Engineering Applications

地震的破坏性是由它所产生的地面震动的强度决定的，这与建筑物抵抗震动的能力有关。地面运动强度取决于地震震级、距离和土壤条件。通过以适合工程分析的格式提供有关预期运动的信息，我们使地震工程师能够设计出具有成本效益和抗震弹性的结构。预期的地面运动建模是地震学和地震工程的交汇处，是阿特金森博士研究项目的重点。阿特金森博士分析了地震产生的地震波，并建立了描述它们如何在地球上传播的模型。计算机模拟和地面运动的经验建模相结合，通常是在一个重大的区域事件之后的近实时的，用来表征地震的强度。这些模型使用简单的参数化，能够对未来预期的地面运动进行前瞻性预测。地面运动模型用于向监管机构提供更新地震设计法规条款的建议，这些标准确保建筑物和关键设施（如水坝和核电站）的建造能够安全承受地震的震动和影响。阿特金森博士研究的最终目的是帮助设计抗震结构，从而在未来地震中挽救生命并最大限度地减少经济损失。

The destructiveness of an earthquake is determined by the intensity of the ground motions it produces, relative to the ability of structures to resist the motions. The ground motion intensity depends on earthquake magnitude, distance, and soil conditions. By providing information on the expected motions in a format suitable for input to engineering analysis, we enable earthquake engineers to design cost-effective and seismically resilient structures. The modeling of expected ground motions, which lies at the interface between seismology and earthquake engineering, is the focus of Dr. Atkinson's research program. Dr. Atkinson analyses the seismic waves generated by earthquakes, and builds models that describe how they propagate through the earth. A combination of computer simulation and empirical modeling of ground motions, often in near-real time following a significant regional event, is used to characterize the intensity of earthquake shaking. The models use simple parameterizations that enable forward predictions of future expected ground motions. The ground-motion models are used to advise regulatory bodies on updating the provisions in seismic design regulations - standards that ensure that buildings and critical facilities such as dams and nuclear power plants are built to safely withstand earthquake shaking and effects. The ultimate aim of Dr. Atkinson's research is to aid in the design of seismically-resilient structures that will save lives and minimize economic disruption in future earthquakes.