Q4.7: For the structure-damper connections, if they are constructed from balsa wood do those members need to adhere to the rules outlining frame member size within section 5.2, and section 5.4 which outlines the rules for connections and gusset plate? As examples of potential violations: a balsa wood member that is 0.4” x 0.2” x 0.75”; or having four 0.2” x 0.2” frame members glued together to create a 0.4” x 0.4” block. Additionally, should the damper be rejected while at competition, would the structure-damper connections need to be removed even if it is clear that they serve no structural purpose?

A: The structure-damper connections do not need to adhere to the rules outlining frame member size as long as they are described in your approved damping proposal.  If the balsa wood members in your connections are not adequately described in the damping proposal and do not conform to the official rules, please email sdc@eeri.org with […]

Q4.4: Are we allowed to install the damping devices in the direction of shaking after it is announced during the competition, provided it is in a location that has been previously approved? Or would we have to arrive with the damping devices already installed in both directions?

A: The direction of shaking will only be determined on shake day. By the time your model should be completely assembled (tentatively Monday 6pm of competition week), you would not know the direction of shaking. You are not allowed to install the damping devices after that time. Therefore, it would be best to install the […]

Q4.5: Can components of the damping devices, such as pins to connect the devices to the tower, exceed the outer footprint of the building or does the entire assembly need to be constrained within the dimensions provided in Figure 12 of the 2022 Design Guide?

A: Components of damping devices such as pins and connections are not permitted to exceed the outer footprint of the building.  Maximum floor plan dimensions will be checked with templates passed over the structure per Section 5.6.d of the Official Rules.  Violations will be incurred if the template cannot freely pass over any floors; this […]

Q4.6: One of the criteria used by the judges to approve the damping system is that if the damping system is removed, the structure should be stable and firmly fixed to the base plate. Does this mean the damping system has be designed to be removable?

A: The damping system is not required to be designed as removable.  The main reason for this criteria is to make sure that the structure is stable and firmly fixed to the base plate in case the SDC Chairs determine that the damping devices need to be removed prior to shaking (noted in Section 4.2 […]

Q4.2: As stated in the Clarifications Section, “A complete analysis and a finalized design of the structure are not necessary for the proposal”; however, we are required to submit a computer-generated image of the exposed structural system in the proposal. Does the “exposed structural system” refer to a complete, but preliminary structural design? Also we would like to know how accurate the final design for the competition (with the official ground motion file taken into consideration) has to be in accordance with the proposal-submitted structural system. Would there be a penalization if structural aspects discussed in the proposal are modified or not to be seen in the final design.

A: To the first question, yes you should submit a complete yet preliminary design.  The model does not have to be fully analyzed, but should be comprehensive enough to show your design intent and the structural layout in a computer-generated image.  As for the second question, your final design does not need to adhere to […]