Final Exam Theoretical Questions –
Structural Dynamics and Earthquake
Engineering
Module 5: Forced Vibration
1. Explain the behavior of a single-degree-of-freedom system under forced
harmonic vibration. How does the frequency ratio (r = ω / ωₙ) affect the
response of the system?
2. What is the significance of the damping ratio (ζ) in forced vibration? How does
it influence the amplitude of steady-state response?
3. Define dynamic amplification factor. How does it vary with frequency ratio
and damping ratio?
4. What is resonance in forced vibration? Under what conditions does it occur
and how is it controlled?
Module 6: Earthquake Response of Linear Elastic SDOF Systems
5. Write and explain the equation of motion for a linear elastic SDOF system
subjected to ground acceleration. What does each term represent?
6. Define and differentiate between:
a) Total displacement and relative displacement
b) Pseudo acceleration and true acceleration
7. What is a response spectrum? How is it constructed, and what is its
significance in seismic analysis?
8. Explain how damping affects the peak displacement, velocity, and acceleration
in a response spectrum.
9. Differentiate between displacement-sensitive, velocity-sensitive, and
acceleration-sensitive regions in a response spectrum.
10. Why can't the actual response spectrum be used for design? What is a design
spectrum and how is it constructed (e.g., Newmark-Hall method)?
11. What is the significance of base shear in seismic analysis? How can it be
estimated from a response spectrum?
12. Why is it important to avoid pounding between adjacent buildings during an
earthquake? How is it addressed in design?
Module 7: Inelastic Response and Ductility Concepts
13. Explain the need for designing buildings to undergo inelastic deformation
during earthquakes. What is meant by “earthquake-resistant” vs “earthquake-
proof”?
14. Define ductility demand and ductility capacity. How are they different? Why
are they important in seismic design?
15. Define and explain the concept of normalized yield strength (fy/fo) in
elastoplastic systems. What does a value less than 1 mean?
16. What is the yield strength reduction factor (Ry)? How is it related to the
ductility factor (μ)?
17. How does the ductility demand vary with natural time period (Tn) and yield
strength in a SDOF system?
18. What is a constant ductility response spectrum? How is it constructed and
what is its use in seismic design?
19. Compare Force-Based Seismic Design (FBSD) with Displacement-Based
Seismic Design (DBSD). Why is DBSD gaining more attention?
20. In the design of inelastic structures, what steps are taken to ensure acceptable
performance levels during earthquakes?
