In this study, a large number of near-source strong ground motions have been collected from various tectonic environments worldwide creating an extensive data set. Time histories from different fault types and earthquake magnitudes recorded at various distances from the causative fault are compared and their special features are discussed. A comprehensive review and study of the factors that influence the near-fault ground motions is attempted. The variation and interrelation of the kinematic and dynamic parameters pertaining to the rupture process are examined. Furthermore, a simple mathematical expression for the representation of near-source ground motions is proposed. The input parameters of the mathematical expression have a clear physical meaning and can be related to basic features of the fault rupture. This expression facilitates the thorough study of the elastic and inelastic response of structures subjected to near-fault seismic excitations as function of its input parameters. Finally, a discussion regarding the implications of near-source ground motions on the engineering design of long-period structures is presented in an effort to gain insight regarding those features of near-field ground motions that control the dynamic response of such structures.
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