Building Shaking —Variations of the BOSS Model

Novice

How can we model the effect of resonance on buildings during an earthquake?

The rolling motion of a seismic wave may move at the same frequency of a building. The structure will then sway back and forth during the seismic vibration. The frequency at which this phenomenon, called resonance, occurs is the resonant frequency. A building's architectural design, height (how many stories), and construction materials affect resonance. Buildings engineered with earthquake shaking in mind will withstand resonance and serious damage.

Objectives:

Learners will be able to:

• Explore the concept of resonant frequency for different building heights.

• Investigate how seismic energy enters a structure and how resonance affects building oscillation.

• Explore how engineering design principles help mitigate damage to structures during an earthquake.

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