32.5. Base Shear and Design Forces

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define base shear in your own words.

   Hint

   Focus on what happens during an earthquake.

2. 2.

   What is the equation for base shear using the seismic coefficient method?

   Hint

   Remember to note what each variable represents!

3. 3.

   What does base shear refer to?

   • Total vertical load
   • Total horizontal force at the base
   • Total weight of the building

   Hint

   Think about the forces acting on the structure during an earthquake.

4. 4.

   The seismic coefficient method is used to determine which of the following?

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the equation we discussed in class.

5. 5.

   A building with a total weight of 2000 kN has a seismic response coefficient of 0.2. Calculate the base shear and discuss how this influences the design.

   Hint

   Revisit how the weight and seismic coefficient interact to compute the force.

6. 6.

   Discuss the implications of designing a skyscraper with a very high importance factor in a seismic zone.

   Hint

   Consider the significance of buildings used during emergencies and how that might change design decisions.