Dear Colleagues,

The study of ground-motion models (GMMs), including ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) and the attenuation relationship, has developed increasingly since the late 1970s. Apart from analytical calculations that can only be applied to simple cases like semi-circular or semi-elliptical geometries, some approaches are purely numerical, while others are essentially based on statistical regressions performed on real databases. These ground motion models help predict seismic hazards and can have a large impact on the design of buildings and infrastructures in earthquake‐prone regions. In a deterministic approach, the selection of an adequate GMM for a given region is very important. On the other hand, the use of several GMMs in a probabilistic hazard assessment, done in a logic tree scheme, needs an adapted weighting protocol. 

One of the major issues in the development of GMMs concerns the reduction of uncertainties, leading reliable models to predict seismic ground motion including both source and site effects. Because of the lack of observations close to seismic sources, the classical empirical model poorly constrains near-source motion, but advanced numerical simulations are able to catch the motion variability due to source intricacy. At a distance from the source, complex site effects can strongly affect the ground motion and cannot be taken into account by considering only simple proxies like Vs30. In order to tackle these difficulties, sophisticated GMMs must take into account either a realistic physical model or a large amount of observations should combine both numerical and empirical methods. The intent of this Special Issue is to gather studies on these different issues.

We invite papers dealing with an original way to use these GMMs in seismic hazard analysis or addressing the computation of new GMM able to consider both the complexity of the source mechanism and complex local site effects, including non-linearities or 3D geometries. Empirical, stochastic, or numerical studies are welcome. Studies that are focused on original ground motion parameter estimation are also encouraged, as well as those dealing with relative performance estimation among multiple models.

Dr. Etienne Bertrand
Guest Editor

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• Seismic hazard assessment
• Ground-motion models
• Non-linear and 3D site effects consideration
• Empirical and numerical ground motion prediction
• Use of ground-motion models
• Selection of adequate ground-motion models
• Near source ground motion prediction