Heriot-Watt University D21EQ

Q3

A two storey single bay RC framed structure is idealised as a 2 degrees of freedom

system as shown in figure Q3a. The masses are assumed to be lumped at floor
levels. The cross section of the beams is much larger than the columns, so the
beams may be assumed to be rigid. The building is to be designed for horizontal
ground motion.

3
m=20x10 kg

5m
3
m=32x10 kg

5m

Figure Q3a

The natural frequencies of the structure and the corresponding modes are

ω1 = 11.687 rad/s, ω2 = 26.075 rad/s

0.22 1.00
U1 , U2
1.00 0.35

1. Determine from the provided design spectrum of Figure Q3b the maximum
displacement and acceleration for each natural frequency.
(10 marks)

2. Determine the maximum predicted displacements of the two floors and

deduce the inter-storey drift. Make any relevant conclusion.
(10 marks)

3. Determine the base shear force and the overturning moment.

(10 marks)

4. Modify the elastic design spectrum of Figure Q3b assuming a ductility ratio
μ=5, then determine the new earthquake response of the structure. Comment
on the results.
(15 marks)

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Heriot-Watt University D21EQ

5. Re-determine the maximum base shear force and compare it to the value
obtained previously. What conclusion can be drawn from the comparison?
(15 marks)

Figure Q3b

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