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Earthquake Response Spectrum Pseudo-Acceleration Calculator

An earthquake design response spectrum plots peak elastic response across a range of structural natural periods.

Fundamental vibration period of structure.

Design spectral acceleration at short period (0.2s).

Design spectral acceleration at 1.0s period.

Calculated Result
0.800 g

Pseudo-Spectral Acceleration (Sa)

Spectral Displacement (Sd)

49.7 mm

Spectral Velocity (Sv)

0.624 m/s

Corner Periods

T₀ = 0.080 s, Ts = 0.400 s

Spectrum Branch

Constant Velocity Decay (T > Ts)

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Step 1: Characteristic Corner PeriodsTs = S_D1 / S_DS = 0.4 / 1 = 0.400 s, T₀ = 0.2·Ts = 0.080 s
  2. Step 2: Elastic Response Spectrum BranchFor T = 0.5 s => Sa = 0.800 g
  3. Step 3: Spectral Displacement Tripartite RelationSd = (Sa · g) / ω² = (0.800 · 9.81) / (2π / 0.5)² = 49.7 mm

What Is the Earthquake Response Spectrum Pseudo-Acceleration Calculator?

The response spectrum concept, pioneered by George Housner and Nathan Newmark, is the cornerstone of modern earthquake engineering.

How Does the Earthquake Response Spectrum Pseudo-Acceleration Calculator Work?

Calculates corner periods T₀ = 0.2·S_D1/S_DS and Ts = S_D1/S_DS.

Identifies governing spectrum branch and computes Sa in units of g.

Computes spectral displacement Sd via tripartite relationship.

Earthquake Response Spectrum Pseudo-Acceleration Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

Sa = S_DS (for T₀ ≤ T ≤ Ts), Sa = S_D1 / T (for T > Ts), Sd = Sa·g / ω²

ASCE 7 multi-segment design response spectrum equations.

How to Use the Earthquake Response Spectrum Pseudo-Acceleration Calculator

  1. Input structural period T.
  2. Enter code spectral acceleration parameters S_DS and S_D1.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

Mid-Rise Building Response Spectrum

Input Values:

period:0.5
sds:1
sd1:0.4
Worked Steps: 0.5s structure subjected to 1.0g short-period hazard.

Understanding Your Result

Primary output reports design spectral acceleration Sa in g.

Summary displays spectral displacement in millimeters.

Factors That Affect the Result

  • Site soil class and seismic hazard proximity to active faults.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

  • Seismic design of buildings, bridges, and industrial structures.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • Assumes 5% viscous critical damping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

ASCE 7-16 / ASCE 7-22 code formulation.

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