Earthquake test

To develop designs that can survive extreme seismic events, and to devise retrofit solutions for older homes, civil engineers who specialize in structural design test realistic models of homes in earthquake simulators. They place the homes on two adjacent shake tables designed to move in three directions, creating realistic earthquake motions. Cameras and accelerometers measure the rate of movement.Results from the test will help builders design homes ready to survive earthquakes and retrofit solutions for older homes. All this data is important to improve the way we do things in the future ... future improvements to help homeowners prepare for future earthquakes.

Source: sciencedaily.comAdded: 26 February 2007