Pulse Trains as an Alternative to Pulse‑Like Record Sets

Abstract

This work presents a methodology for generating pulse trains as a simplified alternative to the sets of seismic records required by building codes for structural dynamic analysis. These codes mandate the use of at least three accelerograms, which may be expanded to sets of seven or twelve records according to various international standards. The proposed approach establishes an equivalent pulse train for each case: one train for the set of three records, three trains for the set of seven, and four trains for the set of twelve, maintaining direct correspondence with the number of accelerograms required.
The structural response obtained from the pulse trains is evaluated against that derived from the complete record sets by computing elastic and inelastic response spectra for each group. Inelastic response is examined for different ductility levels. The results show that the pulse trains adequately reproduce structural demand in the short and intermediate period ranges, with controlled discrepancies at longer periods, demonstrating their potential as an efficient tool for seismic analysis of structures sensitive to velocity pulses.