The massive shake table near Kobe, Japan, simulated the effects of a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on a wood-framed condo building. (Image courtesy Simpson Strong-Tie.)
A team of scientists, including representatives from manufacturer Simpson Strong-Tie and Colorado State University, performed the world’s largest earthquake shake table test in Japan last week, creating the equivalent of a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on a seven-story condo tower made up of 23 one- and two-bedroom units. According to a statement, early results showed little damage to the structure, a promising result that has building engineers confident in the future possibilities for mid-rise wood-framed structures, which typically are limited to five stories in earthquake-prone areas.
“The testing thus far has shown that performance-based design for light-frame wood structures works,” said Steve Pryor, structural engineer for Strong-Tie, in a statement. “This will allow the engineering and building community to provide safer, better performing buildings in the most cost-effective manner.”
The NEESWood Capstone tests are part of a four-year, $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation.
To see a great collection of videos and images, visit Simpson Strong-Tie’s Web site.
–Katy Tomasulo
Tags: R&D, safety, technology
