The EERC at the University of Bristol has developed this Earthquake Engineering Competition challenging secondary school students to design and make small scale models of buildings that can stand up to strong earthquakes. ( Why ?) You can make your own model, or run the competition in your school, and bring your models to be tested on the EERC shaking-table.

Find out More - Visit these pages

• The Challenge
• Entry Details ( Who and How )
• Where and When ( Location and Dates for the Competition)
• Rules
  • Materials ( What to use for building models )
  • Structure ( How to construct models )
  • Vertical Load ( How strong models should be )
• Prizes
• Planning ( Thinking ahead )
  • Sketches and Drawings
  • Keeping Records
• Model Making
  • Modelling Technique ( Construction Tips )
  • Strengthening Your Model (Hints on bracing)
  • Fixings for Steel Blocks ( For vertical load )
• Model Testing ( See how models behave under load)
  • Vertical Load Test ( For a downwards force )
  • Earthquake Load Test ( Using a sideways force)
    • Background (1)
  • Creating Sideways Forces (2)
  • Finding the Mass (3)
    • Approximate Method (a)
    • More Accurate Method (b)
  • Loading Your Model (4)
    • Supported Sideways (a)
    • Standing Upright (b)
• Model Component Tests ( For parts of model )
  • The Background (1)
  • Testing Beams and Columns for Bending  (2)
  • Testing Columns and Bracing for Compression (3)
  • Testing Bracing for Tension (4)
• Model Gallery ( Designs by others )