Earthquakes & Engineering

What is the most dangerous aspect of an earthquake?

• Trees falling

• Damage to buildings

• Tornadoes that follow an earthquake

Answer explanation

The most dangerous aspect of an earthquake is the damage to buildings. Structural failures can lead to injuries and fatalities, making this a critical concern during seismic events.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

How does the large ball suspended at the top of the Taipei 101 skyscraper protect it from earthquakes?

• It weighs the building down to make sure it doesn't tip over

• It swings in the opposite direction to keep it from falling over.

• It rings a large bell to alert people inside to get out.

• It alerts an internal system to an incoming earthquake so the foundation can be secured.

Answer explanation

The large ball acts as a pendulum, swinging in the opposite direction of the building's movement during an earthquake. This counterbalance helps stabilize the structure and prevents it from tipping over.

Tags

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The Philippine Arena is the world's largest domed arena. The arena itself is lifted up and isolated from the base by a flexible system of lead rubber bearings (LRB). How do these LRB help to make the building more resistant to earthquake damage?

• They create an "invisible cloak" so that energy is rerouted around the building, rather than through the building.

• They allow the foundation of the building to move while keeping the rest of the building stable.

• They counteract the motion of the building when it sways by moving in the opposite direction.

• They increase the weight of the building, which makes it more difficult to move.

Answer explanation

Lead rubber bearings (LRB) allow the foundation to move independently during an earthquake, which helps to keep the rest of the building stable and reduces the risk of damage.

The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco was built on a steel and concrete base that goes 52 feet underground. This base moves separately from the rest of the building, which allows the rest of the structure to remain stable. Which strategy have the engineers utilized?

• Create a Flexible Foundation

• Counter Forces with Damping

• Shield Buildings from Vibrations

• Reinforce the Building's Structure

Answer explanation

The engineers utilized a flexible foundation for the Transamerica Pyramid, allowing the steel and concrete base to move independently from the structure. This design enhances stability during seismic activity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco was built with four inner frames extending from the 1st to 17th floors and two more extending to the 45th floor. Which strategy have the engineers utilized?

• Create a Flexible Foundation

• Counter Forces with Damping

• Shield Buildings from Vibrations

• Reinforce the Building's Structure

Answer explanation

The engineers reinforced the building's structure by using inner frames that extend through multiple floors, enhancing stability and strength against forces like wind and earthquakes.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

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Based on what you see in the picture, which strategy has been used in the "seismic isolated structure"?

• Create a Flexible Foundation

• Counter Forces with Damping

• Shield Buildings from Vibrations

• Reinforce the Building's Structure

Answer explanation

The strategy of creating a flexible foundation allows the structure to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing the impact of vibrations during an earthquake. This is essential for seismic isolation.

Tags

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A building with a steel frame is more earthquake-proof than a building with a concrete frame. This is because...

• steel is lighter, stronger, and more flexible than concrete.

• steel doesn't bend as easily as concrete.

• steel is much heavier and provides more rigid reinforcement.

• steel isn't flammable.

Answer explanation

Steel is lighter, stronger, and more flexible than concrete, allowing buildings to absorb and dissipate seismic energy better, making them more earthquake-proof.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

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During large earthquakes, which is responsible for the greatest number of fatalities?

• drowning

• fires

• people buried alive

• Large objects (buildings) fall on people

Answer explanation

During large earthquakes, the majority of fatalities occur when large objects, such as buildings, collapse and fall on people. This is a direct result of structural failure, making it the leading cause of death in such disasters.

Put the following in steps of the engineering method in order:

• Design

• Development

• Idea

• Concept

• Planning

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What part of the engineering method involves brainstorming ideas and looking at requirements and constraints?

• Design

• Development

• Idea

• Concept

Answer explanation

The Concept phase of the engineering method focuses on brainstorming ideas while considering requirements and constraints, making it the correct choice for this question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1