An artificial generation approach for spatially variable seismic ground motions compatible with Algerian design response spectra using real records: the role of segmentation techniques

In nonlinear seismic analysis, ground motion must be represented through time histories. Three types of strong-motion time histories are commonly used: artificial, synthetic, and recorded acceleration time histories from past earthquakes. Although recorded time histories are often recommended, in practice their use is limited by the lack of nearby recording stations, the mismatch with the regional seismicity, or inappropriate local site conditions. This limitation is even more critical for extended structures such as bridges, where the spatial variability of ground motions must be considered. To address this issue, artificial time histories offer a practical alternative, as they can reproduce the physical characteristics observed in real earthquake records. In this study, a new algorithm is developed to generate spatially variable and non-stationary acceleration time histories. To ensure their compatibility with a target response spectrum, an iterative adjustment procedure is implemented. The proposed approach produces artificial accelerograms that are both non-stationary and spatially variable, while being compatible with the prescribed design response spectra.