Earthquake Engineering Experimental Facility for Research and Public Outreach

Abstract

Over the past two decades, important advancements have been made in earthquake engineering practice aimed at reducing seismic risk to urban communities worldwide. Since earthquakes occur infrequently and often in unpredictable locations, the role of experimental research in these advancements has been invaluable. Experimental tests performed under controlled environment can provide high quality data that can advance fundamental knowledge of the behavior of geotechnical and structural elements, validate analytical models, and help explore development of innovative, cost-effective seismic mitigation technologies. It has become evident also that implementation of and investment in seismic risk reduction technologies to vulnerable urban communities requires heightened awareness at all levels of society of the earthquake risk. The authors have found that a shaking table facility while providing valuable research opportunities, is also ideally suited for educational and outreach activities tailored for regional communities and media to heighten their awareness of earthquake risk and demonstrate the important role engineers play in seismic mitigation. The shaking table utilized is uni-directional (1.5 m × 2 m) and has 254 mm peak to peak lateral displacement capacity. The shaking table has been crucial in many research projects in areas such as structural and soil isolation, dynamic interface properties of geosynthetics, seismic permanent deformations, and liquefaction mitigation. The facility is also utilized weekly, as well as at times of heightened public and media interest in earthquake damage, to present various educational modules and carry out shaking table model demonstrations. This paper and presentation will focus on highlights of research conducted using the shaking table and how the facility has been integrated into formal and community-wide educational and outreach programs.