NSTRUCTION: Answer any FOUR questions.

All questions have equal marks

Where needed, for steel take E=200 GN/m2 and for concrete E=14 GN/m2

Question 1a: Within the context of structural dynamics, explain the following terms:

• Dynamic amplification factor (DAF)

• Resonance
• Response spectrum

Question 1b: Using simple structural concepts, derive the expression for the total stiffness
of the structure below. m

EA EI , h
EI , h


Question 2: The portal frame structure shown below has a weight of 100kN. If the natural
period of vibration is 1.2 seconds:

a. determine the lateral stiffness of the structure;

b. determine the diameter of the steel cross-braces required to strengthen the
structure by reducing the period to 0.5 seconds; and
c. determine the period if a further load of 50kN is added to the strengthened
structure.

Question 3a: Briefly describe how you would numerically investigate the accuracy and
stability of Newmark’s algorithm (a numerical time integration method) for an undamped
free vibration dynamic system.

Question 3b: Using Rayleigh’s method, determine the natural frequency of vibration for
the structure below. The shape function for the structure is given, which satisfies the
boundary conditions, hence appropriate.
EI ,  , , A
 𝑥2 𝑥
𝜑(𝑥) = ( − 1)
𝐿2 𝐿

Question 4: The two storey building shown is supported by six square concrete columns
of dimensions 0.4 x 0.4 m2. The total masses of the bottom and top floors are 200,000 kg
and 150,000 kg respectively. Determine the natural frequencies of vibration, and their
corresponding modes in the horizontal direction shown.

Question 5: A three storey building has mass distribution as shown below, and inter-storey
stiffness of 20,000 kN/m.
a. Taking advantage of orthogonality of the modes, approximate the first period of
vibration using a linearly increasing mode.
b. Assuming the structure were to be built in an earthquake prone location, briefly
describe your design strategie(s).

m 3 = 1.1×10
2 ´ 1055 kg u3

m 2 = 1.2×10
3 ´ 1055 kg
u2

m 1 = 1.5×10
4 ´ 1055 kg u1

Formula Sheet

SDOF

Stiffness:

Fixed end beam = 12𝐸𝐼⁄𝐿3

 𝐸𝐴
Each cross-bracing = 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃
𝐿

Rayleigh’s method

MDOF

Free vibration

Orthogonality