(SEM VIII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2018-19 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT DESIGN OF STRUCTURES

SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (Fundamental Concepts)

Section A consists of 10 short questions, each carrying 2 marks, making a total of 20 marks.

This section is designed to test students’ basic understanding of fundamental concepts in earthquake engineering. The questions are brief and mostly definition-based or concept-oriented. Students are expected to answer concisely.

Topics in this section include:

Earthquake resistant design philosophy

Factors affecting earthquake forces

Isoseismals

Dynamic behavior of soil

Radiation damping

Soil modeling methods

Spring models and their limitations

Lap splices

Rest rotation

The purpose of Section A is to evaluate whether students have clarity on core theoretical terms and principles. Answers do not require lengthy explanations but must be precise and technically correct.

SECTION B – Descriptive and Analytical Questions

Section B requires students to attempt any three questions out of five, with each question carrying 10 marks, totaling 30 marks.

This section tests deeper conceptual understanding and analytical ability. The questions involve explanation, derivation, and application of engineering principles.

The topics include:

Types and characteristics of dynamic loading

Plate tectonics and continental drift theory

Free vibration analysis of a two-storey structure

Response spectra and its importance in seismic design

Development of mass-spring-dashpot model

Section B focuses more on theoretical explanations and engineering mechanics concepts. Students must provide structured answers, including diagrams where necessary, and show derivations clearly.

This section evaluates the student’s ability to explain, analyze, and apply seismic engineering principles beyond definitions.

SECTION C – Numerical and Advanced Application-Based Questions

Section C is the most detailed and advanced part of the paper. Students must attempt one part from each question (Questions 3 to 7).

This section carries the highest weightage and focuses on:

Earthquake effects and magnitude scales

Distinguishing seismic wave types and geological layers

SDOF system damping calculations

Dynamic displacement derivation using d’Alembert’s principle

Seismic load calculation for RCC buildings

Masonry building earthquake-resistant features

Design seismic coefficient determination

Block foundation vibration analysis

Lateral force calculations for masonry buildings

This section tests:

Problem-solving ability

Numerical calculation skills

Structural analysis knowledge

Seismic design application

Many questions involve mathematical derivations, structural analysis formulas, and real-life building design scenarios. Students must show step-by-step calculations and justify assumptions properly.

Overall Structure of the Paper

Section A: Basic definitions and short conceptual clarity (20 marks)

Section B: Theoretical explanations and analytical concepts (30 marks)

Section C: Numerical problems, derivations, and practical seismic design applications (50 marks)

Total Marks: 100
Time Duration: 3 Hours