Research title:
Toward nonergodic hybrid broadband ground-motion simulations in New Zealand
Research overview:
This research develops a nonergodic framework for hybrid broadband ground-motion simulation in New Zealand, combining comprehensive physics-based low-frequency simulations with simplified physics-based high-frequency models. Rather than assuming shaking behaves the same way everywhere (the traditional "ergodic" assumption), the models developed here explicitly capture how ground motion varies systematically with location and travel path, better reflecting the underlying physical processes. The result is a simulation framework intended to produce more accurate and regionally consistent ground-motion predictions for seismic hazard and risk assessment in New Zealand.
Main supervisor: Professor Brendon Bradley
Co-supervisor: Dr Robin Lee
Research interests:
My research interests lie at the interface between uncertainty quantification, machine learning, and applied probability and statistics in geotechnical engineering. In particular, I've done and enjoyed research in areas of Monte Carlo simulation, structural reliability, uncertainty analysis, dependence of random variables, and imprecise probabilities in geotechnics. My current research area extrapolates my interests into stochastic ground-motion simulations and seismology.
Personal interests:
I love outdoor activities — trail running, cycling, rock climbing, camping — and also more chill indoor stuff like reading literature, cooking, or learning hands-on skills like woodworking.
Academic history:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia: 2012-2017
- Master of Engineering (Geotechnics), Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia: 2017-2021
- PhD in Engineering, University of Canterbury, New Zealand: 2024-present
Publications:
- Sepulveda-Garcia, J.J., Alvarez, D.A. (2022) On the Use of Copulas in Geotechnical Engineering: A Tutorial and State-of-the-Art-Review. Arch Computat Methods Eng 29, 4683–4733. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-022-09760-5
- Sepulveda-Garcia, J.J., Alvarez, D.A. (2025). Efficient Estimation of the Lower and Upper Bounds on the Probability of Failure of Geotechnical Models Considering Dependence and Epistemic Uncertainties. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 151(9), 04025102. https://doi.org/10.1061/JGGEFK.GTENG-13608
