Direct generation method for floor response spectra

Floor response spectra conventionally have been generated using a time-history method. The authors derived a direct generation method for floor response spectra eliminating the requirement for the time-history analysis. The method is based on the response spectrum technique. This method does not need additional modal exciting function values or empirical amplification function factors, and is applicable without distinction between resonant and non-resonant cases. By this method, a smoothed design floor response spectrum can be generated directly from the design response spectrum, avoiding the effects of exaggerated low damping spectra peculiar to artificial earthquakes. (author)