Fig. 1, a study figure in the resource booklet, shows a proposed earthquake-resistant health centre. The planning enquiry is considering a site 1000 m from ...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1, a study figure in the resource booklet, shows a proposed earthquake-resistant health centre. The planning enquiry is considering a site 1000 m from a river in a city where strong shaking has damaged older public buildings. Engineers used the design to protect staff, patients and stored water supplies. The diagram is a simplified cross-section, not to scale.
(a) Identify the three design features labelled P, Q and R. [3]
(b) Describe two ways in which feature P reduces the movement transferred from the ground to the building. [4]
(c) State five effects of earthquake shaking that this design could reduce inside the health centre. [5]
(d) Which labelled feature would be most practical to add first to an existing eight-storey building? Give reasons for your choice. [6]
(e) Explain how using all three features together can reduce earthquake risk for people using the health centre. [7]
Answer Details
(a) P is a base isolator [1], Q is cross-bracing or diagonal bracing [1], and R is a damper or shock absorber. [1] [3]
(b) Base isolators allow horizontal movement between the ground and building [2]. They lengthen the period of movement, lowering acceleration [2], and may absorb or dissipate seismic energy [2]. Describe any two. [4]
(c) The design may reduce collapse of walls, falling ceiling panels, overturning furniture or equipment, broken water or gas pipes, shattered windows, damaged electrical equipment or fire, and blocked exits. Any five [1] points. [5]
(d) Cross-bracing, Q, is most practical to add first [1]. It can be fitted into selected wall frames [1], stiffens the existing frame [1], resists sideways deformation [1], helps prevent storey collapse [1], protects escape routes [1], and needs less excavation than retrofitting base isolators. [1] [6]
(e) Base isolators reduce ground acceleration entering the structure [1], dampers remove energy from repeated movement [1], and cross-bracing prevents excessive sideways distortion [1]. Together, the frame is less likely to fail [1], services and equipment are less likely to be damaged [1], exits remain usable [1], and fewer injuries and less interruption to emergency care result. [1] [7]
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