33.7.1. Spectrum Shape

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the spectral acceleration (Sa)?

   Hint

   Think about what happens to a building during an earthquake.

2. 2.

   Name the three regions of the spectrum.

   Hint

   Use the acronym A-V-D!

3. 3.

   What does the acceleration-sensitive region correspond to?

   • Long-period structures
   • Short-period structures
   • Medium-period structures

   Hint

   Focus on how quickly a structure reacts to ground shaking!

4. 4.

   True or False: The displacement-sensitive region is for structures that experience quick seismic movements.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the flexibility and movement range.

5. 5.

   Consider a new urban development area with mixed building types. Describe how the design strategies might differ for the structures in the acceleration-sensitive region vs. the displacement-sensitive region.

   Hint

   Think about what happens to buildings of different heights in an earthquake.

6. 6.

   Apply the concepts of spectrum shape to propose a design feature for a high-rise building in a seismic zone. How would it tackle the challenges of the displacement-sensitive region?

   Hint

   Consider methods that allow structures to stay resilient during a quake.