30.4. Factors Affecting Spectral Acceleration

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is spectral acceleration?

   Hint

   Think of it as what a building experiences when the ground shakes.

2. 2.

   Name one factor that affects spectral acceleration.

   Hint

   Consider how different soils behave during an earthquake.

3. 3.

   What is the effect of soft soil on spectral acceleration?

   • Decreases Sa
   • Increases Sa
   • No effect

   Hint

   Think about how a soft surface reacts under load.

4. 4.

   True or False: The importance factor only applies to residential buildings.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider critical infrastructures such as hospitals.

5. 5.

   Analyze how a structure’s importance factor might change after it's designated for emergency response use. What design changes would you advocate?

   Hint

   Consider what functions need preservation during disasters.

6. 6.

   Compare a structure in a high seismic zone with soft soil to a hard soil setting. What structural strategies could you recommend for each?

   Hint

   Think about the nature of the soil's interaction with seismic waves.