41.14. Capacity Design Principles

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the hierarchy of strength in capacity design?

   Hint

   Think about safety during an earthquake.

2. 2.

   Explain the term overstrength factor.

   Hint

   Consider how real-world materials can differ from theoretical expectations.

3. 3.

   What does the hierarchy of strength ensure during a seismic event?

   • Beams yield after columns
   • Columns yield before beams
   • Beams yield before columns

   Hint

   Think about the order of structural failure.

4. 4.

   True or False: Overstrength factors reduce the predicted capacity of structures.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Relate this to real-world material behavior.

5. 5.

   A tall building is designed with both beams and columns. Discuss how a designer could implement the hierarchy of strength into the blueprints while considering material variances.

   Hint

   Think about the load paths and material selection.

6. 6.

   Analyze the impact of neglecting the capacity design principles in a given construction project located in a high seismic zone.

   Hint

   Consider real-world examples where such failures happened.