6.12.1. Criteria for Idealization

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does SDOF stand for?

   Hint

   Think about what it means in terms of motion.

2. 2.

   List one criterion for idealizing a structure as an SDOF system.

   Hint

   Focus on how mass is arranged.

3. 3.

   What does SDOF stand for?

   • Single Degree of Freedom
   • Singular Degree of Freedom
   • Single Dimension of Freedom

   Hint

   It relates to the number of coordinates needed to describe motion.

4. 4.

   True or False: The dominant first mode of vibration is often neglected in seismic design.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about its significance in structural dynamics.

5. 5.

   Given a multi-story building with varied stiffness, explain how you could approach simplifying it into an SDOF system.

   Hint

   Use the criteria we discussed for breakdown.

6. 6.

   Discuss the limits of idealizing a tall, asymmetrical structure into an SDOF system. What might be lost?

   Hint

   Focus on what characteristics make a structure complex.