i can’t sit still….i got the hippy hippy shakes!

Earthquake Engineering

I can’t sit still….I got the hippy hippy shakes!

Earthquake Engineering

Earthquakes are damaging!

Earthquake engineering

Engineers have been designing materials and structures that can better withstand earthquakes!

They put their designs to the test on shake tables.

What we know so far!

There are several rules that we use when building our cities and homes to withstand earthquakes.

A lot of this research is done where earthquakes are common. Japan California

Rule #1 = Lower the Center of Gravity!

Putting weight near the bottom of a tall object makes it harder to push over!

Lots of things need to not tip over.

BUOYS!!!

Gotta have that Super-Base!

Mass at the bottom is the best way to ensure a strong foundation!

Lock it down with Anchors

Deep foundations and pilings anchor the buildings to the ground!

Rule #2 – Motion is a good thing!

…maybe a little too much

Let em’ swing!

If a building cannot sway slightly, it may snap like a brittle twig.

Swaying allows the building to ABSORB energy!

Concrete crumbles…

Steel is the best thing for this!

Swaying buildings in Japan!

Braces – Make it strong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1mPXOi5thk&noredirect=1

What is the strongest structural shape??

TRIANGLES

Dampers (hydraulic)

How it works!

Dampers!

It works in a bridge too!?

Model without damper

Model with damper!

Taipei 101 (the tallest building in the world)

Taipei 101 – Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)

Action during an earthquake!

Base Isolation - Put something between the building and the ground!

Museum shake table http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=FTb9Mbx0DwQ

Elastic Bearing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p

hgdkqn9aTI (1 min)