A METHODOLOGY OF DETERMINING THE NATURAL FREQUENCIES OF LOW-RISE BUILDINGS

Abstract

We live in a world that is constantly faced with natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and other geological processes. These catastrophes besides causing material damage, are sometimes fatal to people's lives. Therefore, different types of measurements are performed, various studies are made, with the one same goal - to predict disasters, to mitigate and their consequences, and to find a way to protect ourselves from them. One of the most important parameters for design of earthquake resistant structures is the natural frequency of the structure. The main purpose of our research is to find the natural frequencies, i.e. the fundamental periods of objects. Determining natural frequencies, we can find dynamic forces acting on the structure so we can design the constructive elements to resist to these forces. We will do this in order to determine at certain excitation (such as explosions or earthquakes) which frequencies of excitations are dangerous to the construction. Because, if the predominant frequency of the excitation is close l to the natural frequency of the structure, the dynamic forces are large and the structure will not only have some damage, but may, in the worst-case scenario collapse. Our attention is focused on disasters caused by earthquakes. For this purpose, we will measure the existing structure - weekend house in Berovo. Using measurements and data processing, we will try to obtain its natural frequencies.