34.11.3. Design Earthquakes for PBSD

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does SLE stand for in seismic design?

   Hint

   Think about the operational criteria of a building.

2. 2.

   True or False: The MCE is focused on ensuring buildings remain operational.

   Hint

   What happens during a critical earthquake?

3. 3.

   What is the purpose of the Service Level Earthquake (SLE)?

   • To ensure buildings can collapse safely.
   • To keep buildings operational during minor earthquakes.
   • To assess maximum ground motion at a site.

   Hint

   Think about what happens to a building during minor shaking.

4. 4.

   True or False: The Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) allows for structural damage.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the terms collapse and damage.

5. 5.

   Imagine you are tasked with designing a hospital situated in a seismic zone. Discuss how you would incorporate the concepts of SLE, DBE, and MCE into your design process.

   Hint

   Discuss why operational readiness and safety are essential for hospitals.

6. 6.

   Critically analyze how the absence of consideration for the MCE could impact a city prone to severe earthquakes. What consequences could follow?

   Hint

   Consider real-life scenarios and past earthquake impacts.