5.5.2. Steps for Idealization

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the first step in the idealization of a structure?

   Hint

   Think about how the structure will move during an earthquake.

2. 2.

   Where do we typically lump the mass for most structures?

   Hint

   Consider where the greatest forces apply during seismic events.

3. 3.

   What is the primary purpose of idealizing a structure as SDOF?

   • To simplify complex responses
   • To increase complexity
   • To ignore seismic effects

   Hint

   Recall why we want to make our analysis simpler.

4. 4.

   True or False: We only consider lateral movements in SDOF systems.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about what types of displacements are included.

5. 5.

   Given a 10-story building with uniform mass distribution, describe how you would approach the idealization process for seismic analysis.

   Hint

   Step through each idealization step.

6. 6.

   A building's seismic analysis shows high sensitivity to stiffness changes. Discuss how you would adjust the idealization process in this case.

   Hint

   Think about how structural adjustments affect your model.