Which structure is less likely to suffer severe damage uring an earthquake: a high-rise, steel-frame hotel built on sediments, or a wood-frame house built on bedrock? Explain.
The hotel will suffer worse damage because it is high rise and not on a firm footing. Wood frame houses can also recover their shape better and are easier to repair.
To determine which structure is less likely to suffer severe damage during an earthquake, we need to consider the characteristics of each structure and the geological conditions they are built on.
A high-rise, steel-frame hotel has certain advantages in earthquake-prone regions. Steel is a flexible material that can bend and absorb seismic energy to some extent. Moreover, the vertical nature of high-rise buildings allows for weight distribution throughout the structure, reducing the stress on individual sections. However, if the hotel is built on sediments, which are loose, unconsolidated layers of soil or sand, it increases the risk of damage. During an earthquake, sediments can liquefy and lose their ability to support structures, leading to uneven settlement, tilting, or even collapse. Therefore, a high-rise, steel-frame hotel built on sediments may be more vulnerable to severe damage during an earthquake.
On the other hand, a wood-frame house has certain advantages as well. Wood is a relatively lightweight and flexible material that can better absorb seismic energy compared to stiffer materials like steel or concrete. Additionally, if the house is built on bedrock, which is a solid and stable geological formation, it provides a strong foundation for the structure. Bedrock can effectively transfer seismic energy downwards, reducing the ground shaking effects on the house. As a result, a wood-frame house built on bedrock would be less likely to suffer severe damage during an earthquake compared to the high-rise, steel-frame hotel built on sediments.
In summary, based on the information provided, the wood-frame house built on bedrock is less likely to suffer severe damage during an earthquake compared to the high-rise, steel-frame hotel built on sediments.
A wood-frame house built on bedrock is less likely to suffer severe damage during an earthquake compared to a high-rise, steel-frame hotel built on sediments. Here's why:
1. Earthquake forces: Earthquakes generate ground shaking, which causes structures to vibrate. The intensity of shaking depends on factors such as the earthquake's magnitude, distance from the epicenter, and the type of soil or sediment beneath. Sediments typically amplify ground shaking, whereas bedrock tends to have lower amplification levels. This means that the high-rise, steel-frame hotel built on sediments will experience more intense shaking compared to the wood-frame house built on bedrock.
2. Soil liquefaction: Sediments have the potential to undergo a phenomenon called liquefaction during an earthquake. Liquefaction occurs when saturated sediment loses its strength due to shaking, turning it into a liquid-like state. This can result in the sinking, tilting, or settlement of structures built on these sediments. In contrast, bedrock is much more stable and less susceptible to liquefaction, providing a secure foundation for the wood-frame house.
3. Structural flexibility: Wood-frame houses generally have better flexibility compared to high-rise, steel-frame buildings. The inherent flexibility of wood allows it to absorb and dissipate earthquake energy through bending and flexing, making it more resistant to damage. On the other hand, steel-frame structures are typically more rigid and prone to damage from shaking.
4. Building codes and regulations: Wood-frame houses are often built to comply with seismic building codes and regulations, ensuring a higher level of earthquake resistance. These codes prescribe specific construction techniques, such as reinforced connections between structural members and bracing, which enhance the overall resilience of the structure during an earthquake. High-rise, steel-frame buildings also follow similar codes, but the complexity and size of these structures can introduce additional challenges in ensuring their seismic safety.
Overall, the wood-frame house built on bedrock provides a more favorable combination of factors that contribute to its resilience during an earthquake, including less intense shaking, reduced risk of liquefaction, structural flexibility, and compliance with seismic building codes.