Shake It Up! Engineering for Seismic Waves
Students learn about how engineers design and build shake tables to test the ability of buildings to withstand the various types of seismic waves generated by earthquakes. Just like engineers, students design and build shake tables to test their own model buildings made of toothpicks and mini marshmallows. Once students are satisfied with the performance of their buildings, they put them through a one-minute simulated earthquake challenge.
Students, like engineers, use shake tables that simulate the movement of seismic waves to test the resistance of their model building structures to earthquake shaking.
In certain areas of the world, earthquakes are a serious concern. Civil and structural engineers who focus on designing buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure for earthquake-prone areas must understand seismic waves and how to construct structures that are able to withstand the forces from the powerful ground motions of the Earth. For testing purposes, engineers design shake tables to simulate (or re-enact) the seismic waves produced by earthquakes and verify the stability and survivability of their structures.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the four different types of seismic waves produced by earthquakes.
- Describe the purpose of shake tables and how engineers use them.