GATE 2021 AR – Question 34

Building Construction, Materials, and Structural Systems · Wind load & seismic considerations in high-rise structures · 1 mark · Multiple choice

What causes soft-storey failure during an earthquake in the context given?

Shear failure from short-column effect
Stress discontinuity from abrupt stiffness changes
Weak-column/strong-beam column failure
Storey drift from pounding

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) Stress discontinuity from abrupt stiffness changes

Explanation

A storey with sharply reduced lateral stiffness concentrates interstorey deformation and demand, creating the discontinuity described by B. Short-column effects and pounding are different mechanisms, even though several vulnerabilities can coexist in one building.

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