Hi,
I need to perform earthquake analysis of a slope but in terms of dynamic forces, all I have is response spectra of matched time histories (see example below). I am wondering if I can use these spectra as an input in PLAXIS 2D for my analysis or I should find out the matched time histories.
Dear Mustafa,
As PLAXIS performs a time-domain simulation, it requires a time series as input. Hence, it is indeed not possible to use a spectrum as input directly. There are techniques to generate time series from spectra, for instance the random phase method.
However, you also mention you have response spectra, hence an output signal. To be able to do a seismic analysis in PLAXIS you would need an upward motion signal, not a response signal. So if you obtain a response signal, you may also need to do some deconvolution to get an upward motion signal.
With kind regards,
Dennis Waterman