Three-Dimensional Seismic Response in Complex Site Conditions: A New Approach Based on an Auxiliary-Model Method

In this paper, an auxiliary-model method is proposed for calculating equivalent input seismic loads in research of ground motions. This method can be used to investigate the local effect of 3D complex sites subjected to obliquely incident SV and P waves. Using this method, we build a fictitious auxiliary model along the normal direction of the boundary of the area of interest, with the model’s localized geological features remaining the same along a vector normal to this boundary. This model is divided into five independent auxiliary models, which are then dynamically analyzed to obtain the equivalent input seismic loads. Unlike traditional methods, in this new technique, the mechanical behavior of the auxiliary model can be nonlinear, and its geometry can be arbitrary. In addition, a detailed description of the steps to calculate the equivalent input seismic loads is given. Numerical examples of incident plane-wave propagation at uniform sites with local features validate the effectiveness of this method. It is also applicable to elastic and non-elastic problems.