Top 5 Ways Engineers "Earthquake Proof" Buildings

True or False: Buildings can be earthquake-proof.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Structural engineers carefully design buildings in earthquake zones...

• In case there is a tornado

• To ensure buildings don't collapse during earthquakes

• To make buildings earthquake-proof

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

What are the 2 main disadvantages of using moment frames?

• They cause a lot of wobbling and deformation

• They are very expensive

• They are difficult to install

• They make buildings collapse easily

True or False: Bracing systems are an effective way to increase the overall stiffness of a building.

• True

• False

Bracing systems are meant to...

• mangle and deform without breaking.

• spread out the force by breaking.

• be the strongest part of the building.

What is the main purpose of a shear wall in preventing earthquake damage to buildings?

• They make buildings look more attractive

• They prevent the building from breaking off at the foundation.

• They mangle and deform without breaking so they take the damage instead of beams, floor systems, and columns.

• They are the most expensive option to resist earthquake forces

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

Which of Newton's Laws BEST explains how liquid-filled dampers reduce the vibrations from an earthquake on a structure as the water sloshes around?

• 1st Law - An object in motion stays in motion, an object at rest remains at rest, unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.

• 2nd Law - F = m * a

• 3rd Law - For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-3

Which of the following statements are true about seismic base isolation? Choose ALL correct answers.

• Uses bearings under the building

• Allows the building to stay still while the ground moves underneath it

• Used extensively in lots of buildings

• Often used to retrofit old buildings, in hospitals, and high profile buildings

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-5