35.22. Limitations of PGA in Modern Earthquake Engineering

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA)?

   Hint

   Think about how we measure shaking during earthquakes.

2. 2.

   Name one limitation of PGA.

   Hint

   What aspects of shaking might affect building performance?

3. 3.

   What does PGA mainly measure?

   • Total energy of shaking
   • Maximum ground acceleration
   • Duration of shaking

   Hint

   Think about the primary goal of measuring ground motion.

4. 4.

   True or False: PGA is sufficient for all seismic assessments.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what aspects of an earthquake could affect buildings.

5. 5.

   Given a scenario where buildings are only designed using PGA, describe the potential consequences in the case of an extended earthquake sequence.

   Hint

   Consider the implications of varying durations of seismic events.

6. 6.

   How would you integrate the use of PGA with Arias Intensity to assess the safety of a new structure in a seismic zone?

   Hint

   Reflect on combining both metrics to meet safety standards.