33.4.2. Inelastic (Reduction) Spectra

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the response modification factor (R) indicate in structural design?

   Hint

   Think about how structures behave beyond their elastic limits.

2. 2.

   Define ductility in the context of earthquake engineering.

   Hint

   What does it mean to bend but not break?

3. 3.

   What is the purpose of the response modification factor (R)?

   • To increase elastic demand
   • To reduce elastic demands
   • To account for wind loads

   Hint

   Think about how structures react to seismic forces.

4. 4.

   True or False: Ductility factor (μ) is a measure of how much a structure can undergo inelastic deformation without failure.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   What happens when materials stretch?

5. 5.

   A structure with an R factor of 5 is designed for a peak ground acceleration (PGA) of 0.4g. What would be the modified demand based on the inelastic spectrum?

   Hint

   Remember to divide the PGA by the response modification factor.

6. 6.

   Consider a structure designed with a ductility factor of 3. If its elastic capacity is 0.5g, what would be the expected maximum inelastic demand?

   Hint

   Think about how ductility allows higher deformation and energy absorption.