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Design of Earthquake-Resistant Structures

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts and principles of designing earthquake-resistant structures, including seismic analysis, structural systems, and detailing considerations.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: earthquake engineering structural design seismic analysis structural systems detailing
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What is the primary objective of earthquake-resistant design?

  1. To prevent structural collapse during an earthquake.

  2. To minimize damage to non-structural components.

  3. To ensure the continuity of essential services after an earthquake.

  4. To provide a comfortable living environment during an earthquake.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The primary goal of earthquake-resistant design is to ensure that structures can withstand the forces generated by an earthquake without collapsing, thereby protecting the lives of occupants and preventing catastrophic damage.

Which seismic analysis method is commonly used for regular buildings in low-to-moderate seismic zones?

  1. Response spectrum analysis.

  2. Time history analysis.

  3. Pushover analysis.

  4. Modal analysis.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Response spectrum analysis is a simplified method for estimating the seismic forces acting on a structure. It is commonly used for regular buildings in low-to-moderate seismic zones due to its computational efficiency and ease of application.

What is the purpose of a seismic isolation system in earthquake-resistant design?

  1. To reduce the seismic forces transmitted to the structure.

  2. To increase the stiffness of the structure.

  3. To dissipate energy during an earthquake.

  4. To provide additional damping to the structure.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Seismic isolation systems are designed to reduce the seismic forces transmitted to the structure by isolating it from the ground motion. This is achieved through the use of flexible bearings or other isolation devices that allow the structure to move independently of the ground.

Which structural system is commonly used for high-rise buildings in seismic regions?

  1. Moment-resisting frame.

  2. Braced frame.

  3. Shear wall system.

  4. Tube-in-tube system.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Moment-resisting frames are commonly used for high-rise buildings in seismic regions due to their ability to resist lateral forces through the bending of beams and columns. They provide ductility and energy dissipation capacity, which are essential for resisting seismic loads.

What is the role of shear walls in earthquake-resistant design?

  1. To provide lateral stability to the structure.

  2. To resist overturning moments.

  3. To distribute seismic forces throughout the structure.

  4. To provide additional stiffness to the structure.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Shear walls are vertical elements that resist lateral forces by transferring them to the foundation. They provide lateral stability to the structure and prevent it from overturning during an earthquake.

Which detailing consideration is important for reinforcing concrete structures in seismic regions?

  1. Providing adequate confinement to concrete.

  2. Using high-strength concrete.

  3. Increasing the reinforcement ratio.

  4. Reducing the member size.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Providing adequate confinement to concrete is crucial in seismic regions to prevent the buckling of longitudinal reinforcement and ensure the ductility of reinforced concrete members. This is achieved through the use of transverse reinforcement, such as stirrups or ties.

What is the purpose of seismic gaps in earthquake-resistant design?

  1. To allow for thermal expansion and contraction.

  2. To prevent the propagation of cracks.

  3. To provide a sacrificial element during an earthquake.

  4. To reduce the stiffness of the structure.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Seismic gaps are intentionally provided in structures to act as sacrificial elements during an earthquake. They are designed to yield and dissipate energy, thereby protecting the rest of the structure from damage.

Which type of foundation is commonly used for structures in seismic regions?

  1. Spread footing.

  2. Pile foundation.

  3. Mat foundation.

  4. Raft foundation.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Pile foundations are commonly used for structures in seismic regions due to their ability to transfer loads to deeper, more stable soil layers. They provide better resistance to lateral forces and reduce the risk of foundation failure during an earthquake.

What is the significance of ductility in earthquake-resistant design?

  1. It allows the structure to absorb energy without collapsing.

  2. It increases the stiffness of the structure.

  3. It reduces the seismic forces acting on the structure.

  4. It provides additional damping to the structure.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ductility is a crucial property in earthquake-resistant design. It allows the structure to undergo large deformations without losing its load-carrying capacity. This enables the structure to absorb energy during an earthquake and prevent collapse.

Which code provides guidelines for the seismic design of buildings in the United States?

  1. International Building Code (IBC).

  2. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7.

  3. National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP).

  4. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 356.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

ASCE 7 is the primary code that provides guidelines for the seismic design of buildings in the United States. It specifies the minimum requirements for structural design to resist earthquake forces and ensure the safety of occupants.

What is the concept of capacity design in earthquake-resistant structures?

  1. Designing structural elements to have sufficient strength and ductility.

  2. Distributing seismic forces uniformly throughout the structure.

  3. Providing redundancy in structural systems.

  4. Isolating the structure from the ground motion.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Capacity design is a fundamental principle in earthquake-resistant design. It involves designing structural elements to have sufficient strength and ductility to resist the anticipated seismic forces without collapsing. This ensures that the structure can withstand the demands of an earthquake without compromising its integrity.

Which type of seismic damper is commonly used to dissipate energy during an earthquake?

  1. Tuned mass damper.

  2. Viscous damper.

  3. Friction damper.

  4. Metallic damper.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Viscous dampers are commonly used to dissipate energy during an earthquake. They consist of a viscous fluid that resists the relative motion between two structural elements, converting kinetic energy into heat energy.

What is the purpose of a strong column-weak beam design in earthquake-resistant structures?

  1. To prevent the collapse of columns during an earthquake.

  2. To reduce the seismic forces acting on the structure.

  3. To provide a ductile failure mechanism.

  4. To increase the stiffness of the structure.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The strong column-weak beam design concept aims to provide a ductile failure mechanism in earthquake-resistant structures. By designing the columns to be stronger and stiffer than the beams, the beams are forced to yield and dissipate energy during an earthquake, preventing the collapse of columns.

Which type of structural irregularity can significantly increase the seismic vulnerability of a building?

  1. Re-entrant corners.

  2. Soft story.

  3. Torsional irregularity.

  4. Mass irregularity.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A soft story is a structural irregularity where one story of a building is significantly weaker or less stiff than the stories above. This can lead to concentration of seismic forces in the soft story, increasing the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

What is the importance of considering soil-structure interaction in earthquake-resistant design?

  1. It can amplify or de-amplify seismic forces acting on the structure.

  2. It can alter the dynamic characteristics of the structure.

  3. It can lead to liquefaction and ground failure.

  4. All of the above.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Considering soil-structure interaction in earthquake-resistant design is crucial because it can influence the seismic forces acting on the structure, alter its dynamic characteristics, and potentially lead to liquefaction and ground failure. These factors can significantly affect the structural response and overall performance of the building during an earthquake.

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