Simulation of Strong Ground Motion Using the Stochastic Method: Application and Validation for Near-Fault Region

The aim of this article is to examine the validity of simulating near-fault ground motions using stochastic finite-fault methods. We used the comprehensive database available from the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake. We simulated accelerograms, peak ground motions, and response spectra from 35 strong motion stations within a distance of about 10 km from the rupture plane. The simulated results are in good agreement with the observed records for all frequencies larger than about 1 Hz, whereas at lower frequencies and very close-to-fault distances, the amplitudes of these parameters are systematically under-predicted. We believe that the observed mismatch results from near-fault effects and surface waves.