Seismic Design Quiz

What does PGA stand for?

• Peak Ground Amplification

• Peak Ground Acceleration

• Periodic Ground Acceleration

• Primary Ground Action

What is the typical PGA value used for Penang in the Malaysian National Annex?

• 0.10 g

• 0.16 g

• 0.05 g

• 0.20 g

In Eurocode 8, which factor accounts for building ductility and reduces seismic forces?

• Soil factor (S)

• Behaviour factor (q)

• Importance factor (γI)

• Damping correction factor (η)

What is the load factor applied to seismic actions in design combinations?

• 1.5

• 1.35

• 1.0

• 0.9

If a building is taller and more flexible, what happens to its fundamental period T?

• T decreases

• T stays the same

• T increases

• T becomes zero

What is the interstorey drift limit for seismic design in Eurocode 8?

• 0.005 × storey height

• 0.02 × storey height

• 0.1 × storey height

• No limit

Why is ductile detailing critical in seismic design?

• To reduce wind pressures

• To eliminate the need for foundations

• To allow energy dissipation and deformation without collapse

• To increase building weight

Why does Eurocode 8 apply a lower load factor (1.0) to seismic actions compared to wind loads?

• Because seismic loads act only vertically

• Because seismic loads are less important than wind loads

• Because seismic loads are considered accidental extreme events

• Because seismic loads are always smaller in magnitude

Wind load in Eurocode uses which load factor?

• 1.0

• 1.5

• 1.2

• 1.35

What is the main difference between wind and seismic load application?

• Seismic loads last longer than wind loads

• Wind is dynamic, seismic is static

• Seismic loads act in both directions and require ductility

• Wind loads have no load factor