Characteristics of simulated ground motions consistent with seismic hazard

Nishida, Akemi  ; Igarashi, Sayaka*; Sakamoto, Shigehiro*; Uchiyama, Yasuo*; Yamamoto, Yu*; Muramatsu, Ken*; Takada, Tsuyoshi*  

Most probabilistic risk assessments (PRA) of structures involve the use of probabilistic schemes such as the scheme using probabilistic seismic hazard and fragility curves. Even when earthquake ground motions are required in Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS), they are generated to fit the specified response spectra, such as uniform hazard spectra at a specified exceedance probability. These ground motions, however, are not directly linked with corresponding seismic source characteristics. In this context, the authors propose a methodology based on MCS to reproduce a set of input ground motions to develop an advanced PRA scheme that can explain the exceedance probability and sequence of functional loss in a nuclear power plant. These generated motions are consistent with the seismic hazard for the target site and their seismic source characteristics can be recognized in detail.