Automated calibration of recorded ground motions for nonlinear response history analysis of isolated bridges

Time history analysis of isolated bridges is frequently complicated and involves numerous steps, especially ensuring the suitability of the accelerogram as input data. The use of commercial software to analyse structural models can lead to difficulties in controlling the analytical conditions. This study aims to accurately and effectively automate the nonlinear time-history analysis of isolated bridges using a developed subprogram. There are two specific parts to the proposed algorithm, including calibration of the accelerograms and nonlinear analysis of structures. The subprogram was developed in MATLAB for rapid and effective analysis of nonlinear structures. The concordance of the calibrated accelerograms was evaluated by comparing the response spectrum of selected accelerations with the results using SeismoMatch and the target spectrum. The accuracy of nonlinear analyses is confirmed using SAP2000 software. It shows that the proposed method offers good agreement and is a powerful tool for the time-history analysis of isolated structures. © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.