Question

In designing buildings to be erected in an area prone to earthquakes, what relationship should the designer try to achieve between the natural frequency of the building and the typical earthquake frequencies?

A) The natural frequency of the building should be exactly the same as typical earthquake frequencies.
B) The natural frequency of the building should be almost the same as typical earthquake frequencies but slightly lower
C) The natural frequency of the building should be very different frem typical earthquake frequencies
D) The natural frequency of the building should be almost the same as typical earthquake frequencies but slightly higher.

Answer 1

C) The natural frequency of the building should be very different from typical earthquake frequencies

Step-by-step explanation:

We shall apply the concept of resonance in this problem .

When a body is applied an external harmonic force ( forced vibration) such that natural frequency of body is equal to frequency of external force or periodicity of external force , the body vibrates under resonance ie its amplitude of vibration becomes very high .

In the present case if natural frequency of building becomes equal to the earthquake's frequency ( external force ) , the building will start vibrating with maximum amplitude , resulting into quick collapse of the whole building . So to avoid this situation , natural frequency of building should be very different from typical earthquake frequencies .