About this previous year paper
SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (Fundamental Concepts)
Section A consists of 10 short questions, each carrying 2 marks, making a total of 20 marks.
This section is designed to test students’ basic understanding of fundamental concepts in earthquake engineering. The questions are brief and mostly definition-based or concept-oriented. Students are expected to answer concisely.
Topics in this section include:
Earthquake resistant design philosophy
Factors affecting earthquake forces
Isoseismals
Dynamic behavior of soil
Radiation damping
Soil modeling methods
Spring models and their limitations
Lap splices
Rest rotation
The purpose of Section A is to evaluate whether students have clarity on core theoretical terms and principles. Answers do not require lengthy explanations but must be precise and technically correct.
SECTION B – Descriptive and Analytical Questions
Section B requires students to attempt any three questions out of five, with each question carrying 10 marks, totaling 30 marks.
This section tests deeper conceptual understanding and analytical ability. The questions involve explanation, derivation, and application of engineering principles.
The topics include:
Types and characteristics of dynamic loading
Plate tectonics and continental drift theory
Free vibration analysis of a two-storey structure
Response spectra and its importance in seismic design
Development of mass-spring-dashpot model
Section B focuses more on theoretical explanations and engineering mechanics concepts. Students must provide structured answers, including diagrams where necessary, and show derivations clearly.
This section evaluates the student’s ability to explain, analyze, and apply seismic engineering principles beyond definitions.
SECTION C – Numerical and Advanced Application-Based Questions
Section C is the most detailed and advanced part of the paper. Students must attempt one part from each question (Questions 3 to 7).
This section carries the highest weightage and focuses on:
Earthquake effects and magnitude scales
Distinguishing seismic wave types and geological layers
SDOF system damping calculations
Dynamic displacement derivation using d’Alembert’s principle
Seismic load calculation for RCC buildings
Masonry building earthquake-resistant features
Design seismic coefficient determination
Block foundation vibration analysis
Lateral force calculations for masonry buildings
This section tests:
Problem-solving ability
Numerical calculation skills
Structural analysis knowledge
Seismic design application
Many questions involve mathematical derivations, structural analysis formulas, and real-life building design scenarios. Students must show step-by-step calculations and justify assumptions properly.
Overall Structure of the Paper
Section A: Basic definitions and short conceptual clarity (20 marks)
Section B: Theoretical explanations and analytical concepts (30 marks)
Section C: Numerical problems, derivations, and practical seismic design applications (50 marks)
Total Marks: 100
Time Duration: 3 Hours