Building Frequency-Teacher's Manual: Objective

Building Frequency-Teachers Manual
Objective
The goal of this experiment is to give students insight into the behavior of two common
earthquake-resisting systems for buildings, the moment frame and the brace frame, through
introductory concepts of mass, stiffness and frequency.
Table of Contents
Objective ...............................................................................................................................................1
Background ...........................................................................................................................................2
Moment Frame...........................................................................................................................2
Brace Frame ...............................................................................................................................2
Frequency ...................................................................................................................................3
Mass ............................................................................................................................................3
Stiffness.......................................................................................................................................4
Moment Frame ...................................................................................................................4
Brace Frame........................................................................................................................5
Single Degree of Freedom Model .............................................................................................6
Multiple Degree of Freedom .....................................................................................................7
Model Construction .......................................................................................................................... 10
Braced-Frame Construction .................................................................................................. 10
Moment Frame........................................................................................................................ 13
Brace Frame/Moment Frame Combination Model ............................................................. 15
Model Testing .................................................................................................................................... 18
Load-Displacement Test(Grades 6~Undergrad) ................................................................. 18
Materials .......................................................................................................................... 18
Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 18
Natural Frequency with a Shake Table (Grades 9~Undergrad) ........................................ 19
Materials .......................................................................................................................... 19
Natural Frequency by Calculation ................................................................................ 19
Natural Frequency by Observation Procedure ............................................................. 20
Natural Frequency by Accelerometer Procedure ......................................................... 20
Natural Frequency by Pull-Back Test (Grades 6~Undergrad) ........................................... 21
Materials .......................................................................................................................... 21
Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 21
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Building Behavior Test(Grades 6-12)................................................................................... 22
Materials .......................................................................................................................... 22
Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 22
Background
Moment Frame
A moment frame is an earthquake force resisting system comprised of two columns and a
connecting beam, as illustrated in Figure 1. The beam-column connection is a moment
connection, which means that it does not allow the beam or column to rotate relative to one
another. Unlike a pinned connection, which allows its members to rotate, a moment connection
restrains the members to a right angle and transfers the load from the beam to the columns and
ultimately down to the ground.
Notice the right angle
is maintained when
the frame is pushed.
Figure 1. Moment Frame
Brace Frame
A brace frame is an earthquake force resisting system comprised of two columns, a connecting
beam, and an angled member (known as a brace). Unlike the moment frame, the connections
between these members are all pin connected. A pin connection allows the members to rotate
relative to each other. The brace transfers the load from the beam to the ground. Figure 2
depicts a typical brace-frame configuration.
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Notice that the members

are free to rotate when
frame is pushed
Figure 2. Brace Frame
Frequency
The natural frequency of a building is an important earthquake engineering concept because it is
one of the factors that defines the behavior of a specific building during a seismic event. Natural
frequency is the number of oscillations per time period. The unit of measure used for frequency
is Hertz (Hz), which is cycles per second. Much like a pendulums frequency is dependent on
length and mass, each building has its own frequency that is dependent on stiffness and mass.
Natural frequency, mass, and stiffness are related according to the following equation.
Natural Frequency:
=
Mass
units: Hz
According to Newtons Second Law:
Where: m=mass (slugs)

a=acceleration (ft/s2)
F=force (lbs)
units: pounds (lbs)
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Weight and mass are not the same thing but rather are related according to following form of
Newtons Second Law:
=
units: pounds (lbs)
Where: g=gravitational acceleration=32.2 ft/s2

W=weight (lbs)
Clearly, every building has weight, which means that it has an inherent mass as well. With all
other factors held constant, the greater the mass of a building, the lower the natural frequency.
Stiffness
Every building has an inherent stiffness. When a force is applied to a building, it will move in
the direction of the force. Stiffness is defined as the ratio of the force applied to the
displacement experienced. Therefore, the higher the stiffness, the less a building will deform
under a given load.
Stiffness:
=
Moment Frame
There are several ways to model the moment frame, each of which results in a unique stiffness.
If the base connection is modeled as fixed (like the column-beam moment connection), the
stiffness of the frame is defined by following equation:
= 2
12
3
units: lbs/in
Where: I=Moment of inertia of the column (in4) [See Mechanics of Materials by Beer,
Johnston, DeWolf & Maurek]
If the base connection is modeled as a pinned connection, as shown in Figure 3a, the stiffness
of the frame is as follows:
= 2
3
3
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Figure 3a. Moment Frame
For the KNEX model, the base connections are somewhere between fixed and pinned.
Therefore, its stiffness cannot simply be determined by the theoretical equations above. It is
recommended that the actual stiffness be determined experimentally by a load displacement
test. Instructions for such a test are included later in this document.
Brace Frame
The stiffness of a brace frame can be determined in the same manner. However, there is also a
specific equation that defines its stiffness based on the cross section properties of the brace. The
equation is shown below:
=
units: lbs/in
where: E=modulus of elasticity of the brace (lbs/in2)

A=Area of the brace (in2)
L=the length of the brace (in)
The modulus of elasticity is a material property, and varies for each material [steel, concrete,
wood, etc.].
Additionally, the lateral (horizontal) stiffness that it provides to a frame is defined below.
=
units: lbs/in
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Figure 3b. Brace Frame Stiffness Factors
Single Degree of Freedom Model

Once the concepts of mass, stiffness, and frequency are understood, one can begin to discuss
different ways of analyzing the building. The first and most simple approach is to model the
structure as a single degree of freedom model. A degree of freedom is an independent
direction in which an object can move. Since the primary concern of earthquake engineering
is lateral (or sideways) movement, we assign one horizontal degree of freedom at an effective
height along the building. This single degree of freedom simplifies the buildings behavior to
that of a lollipop structure, which has a single mass and stiffness. All vertical and rotational
motions are ignored when using this method. This idea is displayed in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Equivalent Single Degree of Freedom Structure
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To use this simplified method, the stiffnesses and masses of each floor cannot simply be added
together. Rather, an effective mass and stiffness must be used. To do this, a complex procedure
known as static condensation must be utilized. However, this process is beyond the scope of
these experiments. Instead, a total mass and stiffness will be used to find a frequency, which
will then be adjusted by a factor to achieve an accurate prediction. This factor takes into
account the effective height, stiffness, and mass, each of which will not be computed directly.
To find the total mass (not the effective mass), simply sum the mass of each floor.
The total stiffness is slightly more difficult to calculate. The equation for combining the
stiffnesses of adjacent floors is as follows.
=
1
1
1 1
+ +
1 2 3
Where: k1, k2, and k3 are the stiffnesses of the first, second, and third floor, respectively. These
are calculated using the equations mentioned above.
Use the total mass and stiffness in the equation below, which includes the adjustment factor.
Multiple Degree of Freedom
= 1.28
2
Another, more accurate approach to analyze a structure is to use multiple degrees of freedom.
There are numerous ways to assign degrees of freedom, but one common method is to place
one horizontal degree of freedom at each level, as shown in Figure 5.
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Figure 5. Equivalent Multiple Degree of Freedom Structure
To determine the frequency of the structure, a procedure called Eigen Analysis must be utilized
(see Dynamics of Structures by Chopra, Chapters 9-10). This approach makes use of matrices
which are mathematical arrays of numbers arranged in rows and columns. For Eigen Analysis,
they are used to store values of various modes and degrees of freedom.
In this case the mass and stiffness matrices would take on the following forms:
1
: = 0
0
1 + 2
: = 2
0
Where: m1= the mass of floor one

m2= the mass of floor two
m3=the mass of floor three
k1=the stiffness of floor one
k2=the stiffness of floor two
k3=the stiffness of floor three
0
2
0
0
0
3
2
2 + 3
3
0
3
3
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For a three degree of freedom system, there are three natural mode shapes. These modes
describe the various displacement behaviors of the building due to the relative motion of the
degrees of freedom. Examples of the three modes are shown diagrammatically below.
Figure 6. Mode Shapes
From here, an Eigen analysis is performed to determine the angular frequency. In a TI-89
calculator, the following process may be used to perform Eigen Analysis.
1. Set A=(M-1)k
2. Select function eigvl and input A.
This will give an output of three values, which are the squared angular frequencies (2 ) of
the three modes. The smallest value is the squared angular frequency of mode one, which is
the fundamental mode. The second largest value is associated with the second mode and the
largest value is related to the third mode.
The natural frequency of each mode is related to the angular frequency by the following
equation.
Where: n=a particular mode
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Model Construction
The class will be split into three different groups. Each group shall construct a three story
building model out of KNEX with a specific structural system. Team one will build a moment
frame model, team two will build a braced-frame model, and team three will construct a
combination of both braced and moment frame (this will be referred to as the mixed model).
Each group will construct their model as follows.
Braced-Frame Construction
1. Construct the base as shown in Figure 7.
Notice the alternating

orientation of the
connection pieces to
allow for brace
connection points.
Figure 7. Base
2. Construct 6 of the frames shown in Figure 8.
Notice the alternating

orientation of the
connection points
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3. Place two of the frames on opposite sides of the base as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Partially Constructed Brace Frame Story
4. Insert the colored members, as indicated in Figure 10.
Figure 10. Brace Frame Story
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5. Insert floor stiffeners, which are shown in color in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Floor Stiffeners
6. Repeat steps 3-5 twice, attaching the frames to the previously created story below
instead of the base.
7. Next, create the floor masses. Each mass consists of properly sized pieces of paper
stapled together and tied securely to the frame as shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12. Floor Mass
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8. Lastly, fasten the building to a base as shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13. Base Connection
Moment Frame Construction

Notice the matching

orientation of the
connection pieces.
Figure 14. Base
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Notice the matching

orientation of the
connection pieces.
3. Place two of the frames on opposite sides of the base as shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16. Partial Moment Frame Story
4. Insert the colored members, as indicated in Figure 17
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Figure 17. Complete Moment Frame Story
6. Next, create the floor masses. Each mass consist of properly sized pieces of paper
Brace Frame/Moment Frame Mixed Model Construction

Notice the matching

orientation of the
connection pieces.
Figure 18. Base
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4. Place one of each of the frames on opposite sides of the base as shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21. Partial Story
5. Insert the colored members, as indicated in Figure 22.
Figure 22. Complete Story
7. Next, create the floor masses. Each mass consist of properly sized pieces of paper
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Model Testing
Load-Displacement Test
This procedure allows students to experimentally find the stiffness of a one-story moment
frame by means of forced displacement.
Materials
Moment Frame Model w/ base
5 weights (each weighing around 0.5 lbs.)
Measuring tape or ruler
Procedure
1. Construct a one-story KNEX moment frame as described in steps 1-4 in the
moment frame construction procedure. Secure the frame to a base, as shown in
Figure 13.
2. Measure and record the masses of four to five weights individually.
3. Convert the recorded masses to weights by the following equation.
=
Where: g=gravitational acceleration=32.2 ft/s2
4. Place the moment frame along with its base securely in the horizontal position.
(To do this, one student can simply hold the base against the wall. See Figure
23.)
5. Place the first weight on the end of the moment frame and record the
displacement. (You will want some sort of consistent point from which to
measure this displacement)
6. With the first weight still on the frame, add the next weight to the free end of
the moment frame and record the displacement. Continue this process until all
the weights are suspended from the end of the moment frame.
7. Next, plot the displacement vs. the total weight suspended from the moment
frame. Estimate a straight line to fit the data (If using excel, use a linear trendline. Make sure to select show trend-line equation.). The slope of this line is
the stiffness of the 1 story moment frame.
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Weights
Figure 23. Moment Frame Displacement Test
Natural Frequency with a Shake Table

In this experiment, natural frequency will be determined by calculation, observation and
means of an accelerometer. These results will then be compared.
Materials
Moment Frame Model
Shake Table or Board on Rollers with Metronome
Accelerometer that records maximum acceleration
Natural Frequency by Calculation
1. Depending on the age of your students, have them calculate the building
stiffness and natural frequency by either Eigen Analysis or a single degree of
freedom approach as in the Background. If you have not performed the Load
Displacement Test to find the stiffness of a one story moment frame use:
kMF=0.767 lbs/in [one story only]
Where: n=number of stories
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Natural Frequency by Observation Procedure
1. Secure the accelerometer to the top of the structure and fasten the model to the
shake table, as shown in Figure 24
Figure 24. Model Secured to Shake Table
2. Begin the shake table frequency at 1.2 Hz and an amplitude of 0.2 inches.
3. Continue to the step up the frequency by 0.1 Hz until you reach the natural
frequency, which will occur when the displacements are largest. As you raise
the table frequency beyond the natural frequency, displacements will decrease.
Natural Frequency by Accelerometer Procedure
Note: If you do not have an accelerometer but do have a smart phone, look for an
acceleration measurement app. You can use this in place of the accelerometer.
1. Begin the shake table at a frequency of 1.2 Hz and amplitude of 0.2 inches.
Record the maximum acceleration the building experiences.
2. Step up the frequency by 0.1 Hz (if you are using the board/metronome shaker,
you will have to use a larger frequency step than 0.1 Hz) and record the
maximum acceleration.
3. Continue to step up the frequency, recording the maximum acceleration for
each frequency. The maximum acceleration should continue to increase until a
certain frequency, after which, it will start to decrease. Go several frequency
steps past this maximum point.
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4. Plot a graph of maximum acceleration vs. frequency. The highest point on this
graph is the natural frequency.
Natural Frequency by Pull-Back Test

Materials
Moment Frame Model
Accelerometer that measures acceleration vs. time
Procedure
1. Depending on the age of your students, have them calculate the building
stiffness and natural frequency by either Eigen Analysis or a single degree of
freedom approach as described in the Background. Dont forget to take into
account the mass of the accelerometer at the roof. If you have not performed the
Load Displacement Test to find the stiffness of a one story moment frame use:
kMF=0.767 lbs/in [one story only]
Where: n=number of stories
2. Secure the accelerometer to the top of the moment frame structure.

3. Pull the top of the structure back, begin recording acceleration, and then release
the structure.
4. You should have an acceleration vs. time graph similar to that shown in Figure
25.
One cycle
Figure 25. Example Acceleration vs. Time Graph
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5. Using the graph, measure the time between two adjacent peaks or valleys. This
is the time it took the building to complete one oscillation, and is called the
period of the building.
6. Take 1 divided by the period. This is the natural frequency of the building.
Building Behavior Test

Materials
Brace Frame Model
Moment Frame Model
Mixed Model
Shake Table or Board on Rollers with Metronome
Procedure
1. Place the moment frame model on the shaker, and shake at a set frequency of
1.5 Hz and amplitude of 0.4 inches. Have the students record observations of
how the building behaves.
2. Shake the brace frame model at the same frequency and amplitude as before,
having the students record their observations.
3. Shake the mixed model as before, again having the students record their
observations.
Note: This building model has extreme torsional effects, which is an

adverse building characteristic.
4. Take the brace frame model and remove the braces just at the first floor.
5. Shake the model as before and record the behavior.
Note: This is called a soft story and can occur, most often, when large
storefronts occur in buildings. It creates an undesirable building behavior.
6. Let the students modify the existing model or create their own. Have them
predict how the building will behave and then shake it as before.
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