Characterization of Earthquake Ground Motions and Hazards for Engineering Applications

地震的破坏性是由其产生的地面运动的强度决定的，相对于结构抵抗地震运动的能力。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输入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具有成本效益和抗震能力的结构。位于地震学和地震工程学交界处的预期地面运动模型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，并建立了描述地震波如何在地球上传播的模型。计算机模拟和地面运动经验模型的组合被用来描述地震震动的强度，这些地震运动通常是在重大区域事件之后近乎实时地进行的。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正演预测。地震动模型用于为监管机构更新抗震设计法规中的条款提供建议。抗震设计法规是确保建筑物以及大坝和核电站等关键设施的建造能够安全抵御地震震动和影响的标准。阿特金森博士研究的最终目的是帮助设计具有抗震性的结构，在未来的地震中拯救生命并将经济损失降至最低。

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.