32.11.2. Capacity Curve

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does the Capacity Curve represent?

   Hint

   Think about what happens to a structure during seismic events.

2. 2.

   Define stiffness degradation in simple terms.

   Hint

   How does a structure behave under stress?

3. 3.

   What does the Capacity Curve represent?

   • A. The cost of construction
   • B. Shear force vs. top displacement
   • C. The height of the building

   Hint

   Imagine what happens to buildings during earthquakes.

4. 4.

   True or False: Stiffness degradation improves a structure's performance during seismic events.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the definition of stiffness degradation.

5. 5.

   Given a structure with a known base shear capacity of 200 kN and a observed top displacement of 10 cm, calculate the new base shear capacity if the stiffness degrades leading to a 30% reduction in capacity.

   Hint

   Consider how reducing stiffness affects overall capacity.

6. 6.

   Analyze a scenario where retrofitting a building adds shear walls, improving its capacity measured by a performance point increase from 300 kN to 400 kN. Discuss implications for seismic design.

   Hint

   Referring back to how performance points interact with design principles will help.