ABSTRACT
This paper outlines and illustrates a new approach, based on concepts and techniques from the Theory of Stochastic Processes, for analyzing the dynamic behaviour of geotechnical structures under moderate random earthquake excitation. The linear equivalent method has traditionally been the choice method to perform this analysis. In this method the hysteretic behaviour of the soil is modeled through the complex response method together with a deterministic approach based on discrete direct and inverse Fourier transforms. Herein an alternative method in which the determination of the power spectral density function of the responses fastens the iterative process as compared with the traditional way. The application of the method is illustrated in the seismic evaluation of the Alvito dam, located in Portugal.
