Integrated Earthquake Simulation : Estimation of Strong Ground Motions and Structural Response

Advances in computer technology and sciences enable us to carry out large-scale numerical simulations. As one of such, the authors have been simulating the entire process of an earthquake, i.e., generation and propagation of an earthquake, responses of structures and damage, and actions by people and communities for earthquake damage. This is an integrated earthquake simulation (IES). With the aid of the latest geographical information system (GIS), IES can automatically construct a computer model of a city of some hundred meters in scale. This paper presents the current state of IES, focusing on the simulation of strong ground motions and structure responses ; the structure response simulation applies several numerical analysis methods. Data exchanges between each method and IES are controlled by an interpreter program. The usefulness of IES is discussed. It is pointed out that IES provides vital information to form a common recognition of possible earthquake hazards and disasters by government offcials and residents