IDEERS Research@Bristol - Testing Scale Models

So that researchers can study the way real structures may behave during earthquakes. Of course, models cannot represent real structures exactly, but they can be good enough to improve understanding of how structures behave.

When a scale model of a structure is made, its size is reduced, but the mass doesn't scale down correctly. The model ends up too light, so extra weight (usually blocks of lead) is added to correct for this problem.

Scale Models

Scaled down models of structures, such as dams, bridges and buildings, are made in the EERC laboratory to be tested for simulated earthquakes (Why?).

They are mounted on the EPSRC shaking-table (Show Me), a large testing machine for generating earthquakes.

The shaking-table is a 3 metre square aluminium platform which is made to move using hydraulic-actuators.

It is controlled by computers (Show Me), and can move sideways, up and down and even rotate.

In the picture of the model building, (See close up) you can see that weights have been added to each floor. (Why?)

from Bristol University