32.1.3. Elastic and Inelastic Spectra

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does Spectral Acceleration (Sa) represent?

   Hint

   Think about how structures respond to shaking.

2. 2.

   Name one characteristic of Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) systems.

   Hint

   SDOF systems focus on one motion type.

3. 3.

   What does a response spectrum show?

   • A snapshot of static forces
   • How structures react to ground motion
   • The weight of a building

   Hint

   Focus on the purpose of the spectrum.

4. 4.

   True or False: Inelastic spectra assume that structures remain unchanged after a seismic event.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider whether any damage can occur.

5. 5.

   A 10-story building has been designed with an elastic spectrum in mind. During an earthquake, peak spectral acceleration recorded is 0.3g. If the building shifts to an inelastic response and undergoes damage, describe the implications for future design improvements.

   Hint

   Think about how damage would affect structural integrity.

6. 6.

   An engineer needs to evaluate whether a building should be retrofitted based on its inelastic spectrum response. The building shows a displacement limit of 0.05m but has experienced greater during an event. What actions should the engineer take?

   Hint

   Focus on how the response spectrum informs design decisions.