Design energy input spectra for moderate-to-high seismicity regions based on Colombian earthquakes

Energy input spectra applicable to the seismic design of structures in moderate-to-high seismicity regions are proposed. Such design inputs are derived from the bilinear envelope of individual spectra obtained for 144 ground motions recorded in Colombia. In the short period region the spectra account for the increase of input energy, due to plastification of the structure, through a new formula derived from extensive nonlinear analyses. The proposed energy input design spectra are compared with the provisions of the Colombian seismic code, and with those proposed for Japan, Spain, Iran and Greece. It is found that the proposed spectra are more demanding than the current Colombian seismic code, and that they agree with those developed recently for six cities in Greece, yet applying a different approach. An empirical equation for estimating the portion of the total seismic input energy that contributes to structural damage is also developed.