Next Generation Ground Motion Simulation, Validation, and Utilization (GM-SVU) in Seismic Hazard and Engineering Applications: A New SCEC Technical Activity Group

Maha Kenawy, Sanaz Rezaeian, Scott Callaghan, Chukwuebuka C. Nweke, & Farzin Zareian

Submitted August 30, 2026, SCEC Contribution #15638, 2026 SCEC Annual Meeting Poster #TBD

Physics-based ground motion simulations have matured to the point where they can meaningfully inform probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) and building code-oriented response history analysis (RHA), yet their adoption in practice remains limited. Engineering end users consistently identify two barriers: the absence of consensus-based, application-specific validation standards, and the lack of readily accessible, validated simulation datasets suited to particular hazard or engineering applications.

The GM-SVU Technical Activity Group assembles participants from 15 institutions, spanning seismologists, computer scientists, hazard analysts, and structural and geotechnical engineers, to strengthen the pipeline from simulation development to application. Building on the decade of work synthesized by Rezaeian et al. (2023), the TAG advances three objectives: (1) develop consensus-based, application-specific validation approaches to benchmark simulations on stress drop, attenuation of engineering intensity measures, and scaling of site response with site parameters; (2) quantify epistemic uncertainties associated with alternative shallow-crustal velocity models and source rupture representations through iterative validation exercises; and (3) translate validated simulations into application-ready datasets and guidelines for PSHA and RHA.

Year 1 activities are organized around three coordinated teams (simulation selection and improvement, validation for hazard applications, and validation for engineering applications), supported by community engagement at 13NCEE and the SCEC Annual Meeting and by three workshops. Deliverables include an initial vetted, pre-improvement simulation dataset with standardized metadata, draft validation guidelines for PSHA and RHA applications, and a structured feedback channel routing validation findings back to simulation developers.

This poster presents the TAG structure, scope, and Year 1 roadmap, and invites community participation in shaping validation priorities.

Key Words
simulation validation, PSHA, response history analysis, epistemic uncertainty, community standards

Citation
Kenawy, M., Rezaeian, S., Callaghan, S., Nweke, C. C., & Zareian, F. (2026, 08). Next Generation Ground Motion Simulation, Validation, and Utilization (GM-SVU) in Seismic Hazard and Engineering Applications: A New SCEC Technical Activity Group. Poster Presentation at 2026 SCEC Annual Meeting.

Related Projects & Working Groups
Ground Motions (GM)