32.1.2. Important Parameters of Ground Motion

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA).

   Hint

   What does 'peak' imply about this measurement?

2. 2.

   What does Peak Ground Velocity (PGV) measure?

   Hint

   Think about the speed of shaking during an earthquake.

3. 3.

   What does Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) indicate?

   • The speed of ground movement
   • The maximum acceleration of ground motion
   • The displacement of ground motion

   Hint

   Think about what 'peak' represents.

4. 4.

   True or False: Peak Ground Displacement (PGD) refers to the distance the ground moves during an earthquake.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Focus on what PGD stands for.

5. 5.

   A building in a seismic zone experiences a PGA of 1.2 g. How should the engineers approach the design of the building based on this information?

   Hint

   Consider how materials behave under pressure.

6. 6.

   During a recent earthquake, a structure's PGD recorded was significantly higher than anticipated. What steps should structural engineers take to assess the damage and areas needing reinforcement?

   Hint

   Think about the foundation and joint connections.