34.15.3. Overstrength

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define overstrength in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about material variability.

2. 2.

   What is brittle failure?

   Hint

   Consider how different materials react under stress.

3. 3.

   What is overstrength?

   • A condition of high deformation
   • When actual strength exceeds design strength
   • A safety margin applied to designs

   Hint

   Think about material properties.

4. 4.

   Brittle failure occurs...

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   How does ductility differ from this concept?

5. 5.

   Propose a design for a seismic-resistant building considering material overstrength. Describe your choices and how they mitigate risks associated with brittle failure.

   Hint

   Think about historical examples of successes.

6. 6.

   Evaluate a building that suffered damage during an earthquake. Discuss the role of overstrength in its design and how it may have prevented a worse outcome.

   Hint

   Look for references to materials and design choices.