Question

Structures should be designed such that ___________

(a) Minor and frequent earthquakes can collapse the structure

(b) Moderate earthquakes can cause damage to the structure

(c) Major earthquakes should not cause any damage to the structure and the structure should be functional

(d) Minor earthquake should not cause any damage to the structure and the structure should be functional

The question was posed to me in an online quiz.

The question is from Determination of Earthquake Loads topic in chapter Structural Analysis, Loading and Load Combinations of Design of Steel Structures

Answer 1

Right option is (d) Minor earthquake should not cause any damage to the structure and the structure should be functional

For explanation: As per IS 1893, the following seismic philosophy is adopted

(i) Minor and frequent earthquakes should not cause any damage to the structure

(ii) Moderate earthquake should not cause significant structural damage but could have some non structural damage(the structure should become operational once the damage is repaired)

(iii) Major and infrequent earthquake should not cause collapse( structure will be dysfunctional for further use, but will stand so that people can be evacuated and property can be recovered).