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Using 3D Seismic Simulations to Determine Structural Designs That Best Preserve Structural Integrity of Buildings in an Earthquake

Description: 

Many parts of the world experience highly destructive earthquakes several times within a century. Many cities that are at high risk of experiencing such an earthquake have increased in population. This underscores the need to address major structural vulnerabilities in existing and future construction in order to mitigate the destructive effects of seismic activity on those structures. However, many are hesitant to reinforce these structures due to cost constraints and determining the optimal structural reinforcement would require extensive testing. However, using real-world shake-table simulations on physical models to test the structural integrity of a building is very expensive. The costs associated with the construction of the model are extensive, often costing millions of dollars. It often takes months just to construct the model upon which the testing is done.

Virtual earthquake simulations dramatically reduce the time and cost required to test the physical effects of seismic activity of varying intensity on different types of structures, thus aiding in the discovery of novel structural engineering solutions that mitigate the destructive effects of seismic activity on those structures. By simulating in a 3D virtual physics simulator, one can efficiently determine the optimal structure to best preserve structural integrity of buildings and other structures without the cost of physical materials and shaketables.

Session: Assessing Seismic Hazard for Critical Facilities and Infrastructure – Insights and Challenges [Poster Session]

Type: Poster

Date: 5/3/2024

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Michael

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Authors