Development of Site-Specific Synthetic Accelerograms for Seismic Hazard Assessment in Bukhara City, Uzbekistan

Abstract

Reliable site-specific seismic input is essential for earthquake-resistant design and seismic hazard assessment in urban areas. This study aims to develop site-specific synthetic accelerograms for Bukhara City (Uzbekistan) based on probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) and target response spectra. Microtremor measurements were carried out at more than 50 observation sites to estimate Vs30 values and classify local site conditions according to Eurocode 8. Seismic hazard calculations were performed using OpenQuake Engine with selected ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), and response spectra were generated for a 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years. Based on the resulting target spectra, statistically independent three-component synthetic accelerograms were generated for engineering applications. In addition, a peak ground acceleration (PGA) map at a scale of 1:25,000 was produced, and a database of synthetic accelerograms was developed for 500 × 500 m grid cells covering the study area. The generated accelerograms were validated through comparison with the corresponding target response spectra, demonstrating a high level of agreement over the engineering frequency range. The resulting database provides realistic seismic input for nonlinear dynamic analysis, seismic performance evaluation, and earthquake-resistant design of buildings and infrastructure.