A proposed method for selecting and scaling recorded seismic accelerations according to TCVN-9386:2012

Accelerogram is a significant input in seismic analysis of structures, particularly for performance-based seismic designs and for advanced technologies using nonlinear energy dissipation devices. However, in seismic regions like Vietnam, earthquake data is generally scarce. Vietnam Standard TCVN-9386:2012 mentions the use of recorded accelerogram for seismic analysis, although it contains shortcomings. The paper aims to detail the procedure of selecting and scaling recorded seismic accelerations according to requirements specified by TCVN-9386:2012. The target response spectrum and the fundamental vibration period of the considered structure are critical factors for the selecting and scaling process. The proposed procedure essentially includes converting the two original horizontal accelerations to the principal directions, correcting the relative proportion between the two acceleration components, determining the period range of interest, calculating the scaling factors, and verifying the 10% matching criteria. An example is conducted on a typical set of accelerations to detail the application of the proposed procedure. The results show that the response spectra of calibrated accelerations are consistent with the target spectrum and satisfy the requirements of TCVN-9386:2012, suggesting that the proposed method can be applied to the seismic analysis of structures with high reliability.