What is seismic performance?
Q: What is seismic performance?
A: Seismic performance refers to a building structure's ability to sustain its functions, such as safety and serviceability, during and after an earthquake.
Q: When is a structure considered safe during an earthquake?
A: A structure is considered safe during an earthquake if it does not put the lives and wellbeing of those in or around it at risk by partially or completely collapsing.
Q: What does it mean for a structure to be serviceable during an earthquake?
A: A structure is considered serviceable during an earthquake if it is able to function as designed despite the seismic load.
Q: What did ancient builders believe about earthquakes?
A: Ancient builders believed that earthquakes were caused by the wrath of gods and were thus unpreventable by humans.
Q: What is different about the modern attitude towards seismic performance?
A: The modern attitude towards seismic performance has changed drastically, and people now recognize that seismic loads can exceed a structure's ability to resist them without any damage.
Q: Can a building structure be partially broken during an earthquake and still be considered safe?
A: No, a building structure cannot be considered safe if it is partially or completely broken during an earthquake.
Q: Who was the main "Earth-Shaker" in Greek mythology?
A: The main "Earth-Shaker" in Greek mythology was Poseidon.
