Wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

Earthquakes & Engineering

Total questions: 15

Worksheet time: 19mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the most dangerous aspect of an earthquake?

a)

Trees falling

b)

Damage to buildings

c)

Tornadoes that follow an earthquake

2.

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

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

3.

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?

a)

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

b)

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

c)

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

d)

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

4.

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?

a)

Create a Flexible Foundation

b)

Counter Forces with Damping

c)

Shield Buildings from Vibrations

d)

Reinforce the Building's Structure

5.

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?

a)

Create a Flexible Foundation

b)

Counter Forces with Damping

c)

Shield Buildings from Vibrations

d)

Reinforce the Building's Structure

6.

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

a)

Create a Flexible Foundation

b)

Counter Forces with Damping

c)

Shield Buildings from Vibrations

d)

Reinforce the Building's Structure

7.

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

a)

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

b)

steel doesn't bend as easily as concrete.

c)

steel is much heavier and provides more rigid reinforcement.

d)

steel isn't flammable.

8.

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

a)

drowning

b)

fires

c)

people buried alive

d)

Large objects (buildings) fall on people

9.

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

a)

Idea

b)

Concept

c)

Planning

d)

Design

e)

Development

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
10.

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

a)

Design

b)

Development

c)

Idea

d)

Concept

11.

Engineers have identified that collapsing buildings is the biggest danger in an earthquake. What stage of the engineering method are they currently in?

a)

Design

b)

Idea

c)

Planning

d)

Launch

12.

Engineers have created a model of a building they believe to be earthquake resistant. They are now testing it to validate their claims. What phase of the engineering method are they currently in?

a)

Design

b)

Launch

c)

Development

d)

Concept

13.

What do engineers have to do first before they can move on to the design phase? (choose 3)

a)

Identify the problem

b)

Create a model

c)

Test the model

d)

Set a goal and create a checklist

e)

Brainstorm ideas and look at existing solutions

14.

Match the activity to the correct step of the engineering method.

Categorize the following

Identify the issue of building damage during an eartquake

See why some buildings stay standing and others fall

Define requirements of limited damage

Recognize constraints such as time, money, and materials

Create a plan and schedule

Define objectives, what does limited damage mean?

1. Idea
2. Concept
3. Planning
15.

Match the activity to the correct step of the engineering method.

Categorize the following

Create drawings and models of the building

Create a prototype of the building

Test the building by running a simulation

Start construction on the building

4. Design
5. Development
6. Launch