4.2
StructuralReinforcement:
The Better Building
RA T I ONA L E
Students will learn how diagonal braces, shear walls, and rigid
connections strengthen a structure to carry forces resulting from
earthquake shaking.
F OCU S QU E S T I ON S
How may the structure of a building be reinforced to make it better
able to withstand earthquake shaking?
OB J E C T I V E S
Students will:
1. Recognize some of the structural elements of a building.
2. Describe how the horizontal and vertical structural elements carry
the horizontal and vertical loads of a building.
3. Describe how diagonal braces, shear walls, and rigid
connections provide paths for the horizontal load resulting from an
earthquake.
4. Observe how added structural elements strengthen a model wall to
withstand shaking.
TEACHING CLUES AND CUES
MA T E R I A L S
For the teacher: Materials for one model wall
Jumbo craft sticks are
available at craft and
hobby stores. They are
larger than ice cream
Q
Master 4.2a, Building a Model Wall
Q
21 jumbo craft sticks, about 15 cm x 2 cm x 2 mm thick
sticks, about the size of tongue
depressors.
Q
Electric drill with 3/16" bit
Q
Goggles for eye protection
Q
1 piece of thin wood (about 2 mm thick) 45 cm x 6 cm (about 18 in.
x 2 in.)
You may want to build
this model and the one
in Lesson 4.3 at the
same time, and
introduce them
Q
1 piece of sturdy wood (2 x 6) for a base, about 45 cm (18 in.) long
Q
16 machine bolts, 10 x 24, about 2 cm long (.75 in.)
Q
16 machine screw nuts, 10 x 24
Q
32 washers, #8
both in the same class period. This
would allow two groups to be actively
engaged with the models of the
same time.
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F E M A
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