Earthquake Resistant Construction MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Opening distance in earthquake resistant masonry

Formula

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Step-by-step solution

1. In seismic design of masonry structures, adequate pier width between openings is necessary to resist lateral earthquake forces. 2. As per IS 4326, when seismic coefficient is less than 0.08, the minimum distance between adjacent openings depends on opening height. 3. This horizontal distance between two openings shall not be less than Vt times the height of the shorter opening. Answer: A

Explanation

To ensure adequate earthquake resistance in masonry structures, sufficient wall width must be provided between cutouts. For low seismic zones where the seismic coefficient is under 0.08, guidelines specify that the horizontal distance between adjacent openings must not be less than Vt multiplied by the height of the shorter opening. This provides necessary shear resistance during lateral seismic loading.

Why the other options are wrong

B) The code specifies using the height of the shorter opening rather than the longer opening. C) The required multiplying factor is Vt, not Vi. D) Both the factor Vi and the longer opening height violate code specifications.

Shortcut

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Common mistake

Selecting the height of the longer opening instead of the shorter opening when calculating the required distance.