Structural dynamics and earthquake engineering

1. Define the concept of dynamic degree of freedom. Give some examples of single degree of freedom systems and multi degree of freedom systems. Answer: Dynamic degrees of freedom are a set of independent displacements/rotations that completely define the displaced position of the mass with respect to its initial position. Examples: A vertical cantilever with the mass concentrated at its tip can be idealised as a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system. The degree of freedom is represented by the lateral displacement u of the mass.

A multi-storey frame with the masses concentrated the storey levels can be idealised as a multi degree of freedom (MDOF) system. The degrees of freedom are the lateral displacements of the storey masses. The system in the next figure has 4 dynamic degrees of freedom displacements u1 u4.

u3 u2 u1

2. Write the equation of motion of a single degree of freedom systems subjected to a dynamic force and explain its terms. Show using a sketch an example of a dynamic system like this. Answer: The equation of motion of a single degree of freedom (SDOF) system subjected to an external force p(t) is the following:

&&( t ) + cu & ( t ) + ku ( t ) = p ( t ) mu

&&( t ) represents the inertia force due to acceleration u &&( t ) of the mass m. The term mu & ( t ) represents the viscous damping force equal to the product between the The term cu & (t ) . damping coefficient c and velocity u
The term ku ( t ) represents the reactions produced by the system with stiffness k due to the displacement u ( t ) .

In the next figure is shown a SDOF system with mass m, damping coefficient c and stiffness k, subjected to the external force p(t).

3. Explain the lateral force method used to assess the seismic response of multi-storey structures. State the limitations of the method. Answer: The lateral force method (LFM) is a simplified structural analysis method which can be used in the case of multi-storey structures whose response is governed by the fundamental mode of vibration. According to P100-1/2006, the LFM can be used only for structures which: are regular in elevation, have a period of vibration less than 1.5 sec. and are less than 30 m high. The LFM is essentially a modal response spectrum analysis, which considers only the fundamental mode of vibration. The method consists in a static analysis of the structure subjected to the lateral forces Fi. These forces are determined by distributing along the height of the structure the base shear force Fb, which is determined according to the following formula:

Fb = Sd (T1 ) m
where: Sd (T1 ) is the design spectral acceleration corresponding to the fundamental period of vibration T1; m is the total mass of the building; is a correction factor. In the simplified variant, lateral forces Fi are determined according to the following expression:
Fi = Fb mi zi
N

Fi

mi zi Fb

m z
i =1

i i

where mi is the mass of storey i, and zi is the height of storey i with respect to the base of the structure.

4. Discuss the measures for conceptual seismic design of buildings from the point of view of torsional resistance and stiffness. Answer: Lateral force resisting system should be as symmetrical as possible (see the figure below), in order to obtain as small difference as possible between the centre of mass (CM) and centre of rigidity (CR) of a structure. If an eccentricity between the CM and CR is present, the floor will be subjected to a torsional motion, in addition to the translational one. This results in larger displacements at the flexible side of the building in the direction of the seismic action. Additionally, displacements perpendicular to the direction of seismic action will be present.
2x 2x

D2y
Fx CR=CM Fx CM CR Y

e0y
D1y D1x

D1x
X

Structures which are torsionally flexible have larger displacements and forces in the components located on the perimeter of the building, and a non uniform distribution of deformations and stresses in structural members. Lateral force resisting systems should be located on the perimeter of the building (see figure below) in order to obtain increased torsional strength and stiffness.
lateral-force resisting system lateral-force resisting system gravity-force resisting system

gravity-force resisting system

Structure with low torsional stiffness

Structure with large torsional stiffness

5. Which are the essential differences between the design concepts of dissipative and lowdissipative structural behaviour from the following points of view: - calculation of the design seismic action; - design of structural components. Answer: Design of structures based on the concept of dissipative structural behaviour is based on values of the behaviour factor q substantially larger than 1, which results in low values of the design seismic action. This leads to structures with low strength, which should be compensated through adequate ductility. Dissipative structural components are designed for forces in the seismic design situation and should fulfil a set of additional rules intended to provide them with a ductile response. Plastic deformations should be prevented in the nondissipative components through an overstrength with respect to the dissipative ones. The design forces in the non-dissipative components are determined based on capacity design, corresponding to yielded and strain hardened dissipative components. In the case of low-dissipative structural behaviour, the design seismic action is determined based on values of the behaviour factor q between 1 and 1.5 (in P100-1/2006 only q=1 is allowed). In this case the structure relies on strength to resist the seismic action. Structural components are designed for the forces in the seismic design situation, similarly to the design in the persistent (fundamental) design situation. Special design rules intended to provide for a ductile response of the structure are not needed in this case.