Quantifying the progressive failure of infrastructures under seismic excitation is crucial for accurate risk evaluation. Such analyses often necessitate detailed structural evaluations using numerous ground motion records across a range of seismic intensities. This study proposes intensifying artificial acceleration (IAA) as a novel method for approximating the seismic response of structural systems. The performance of IAA is evaluated in comparison with traditional single-record incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), employing a benchmark geostructure problem that incorporates soil/rock-structure interaction. This research assesses the efficacy and precision of IAA for nonlinear systems with and without wave propagation in the foundation. Wave deconvolution is applied to both IAA and IDA, and a damage index is calculated to quantify crack extension. Serving as a proof of concept, the results highlight a promising alignment between IAA and IDA outcomes, with IAA offering significant reductions in computational demand. The paper concludes with a conceptual framework for integrating ground motion-compatible IAAs into streamlined risk assessment processes.

In the context of soil-structure interaction analysis, the deconvolution process for computing effective earthquake loads within rock profiles holds significant importance. This study explores the implications of this process on structures founded on rock with linear response and high shear wave velocity. The structures are subjected to both real ground motions and intensifying artificial accelerations (IAA). By employing detailed nonlinear finite element simulations on a concrete dam with a massed foundation, two distinct scenarios are explored. In the first scenario, all selected motions are deconvolved to the specified depth, and the resultant equivalent nodal forces are used. The second scenario involves treating the input excitations as outcrop motions, with corresponding effective earthquake loads directly applied to the depth. The outcomes underscore that neglecting the deconvolution process for real ground motions leads to an overestimation of structural responses. The magnitude of this discrepancy remains uncertain and is influenced by ground motion aleatory variability and damping ratio. Concurrently, this paper introduces a practical framework that circumvents the deconvolution process for IAAs, while upholding an acceptable level of accuracy. The deconvolved IAAs offer simplicity of use and expedite the risk assessment process for complex geostructures.