IDEERS Competition - Testing - Earthquake Load Page 2

Model Fixed Horizontally

Model Fixed Vertically

Model Fixed Horizontally

You cannot put the vertical load on the model at the same time as applying the sideways force.

In the shaking table tests the, the steel blocks on the model will cause a vertical force acting downwards at the same time as the sideways force from the artificial earthquake.

You can put the vertical load on the model at the same time as applying the sideways force.

The forces on the model will be similar to those generated by the artificial earthquake on the shaking table

2 - Creating Sideways Forces

You can create sideways forces on your model by hanging mass from each floor. There are two ways you can do this.

1 - Supporting the Model on its Side (Show Me)

This is a simple way, but the forces that will act on a model during the shaking-table tests will not be so realistically represented. (Why?)

2 - Standing the Model Upright (Show Me)

This way the forces that will be act on a model during the shaking-table tests can be more realistically represented. (Why?)

For both methods of testing:

Only the base of the model should be supported. (Show Me)

Clamp the model base securely in place so that it doesn't bend when you add the load.
(Show Me)

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from Bristol University