Project Overview

The goal of our project is to simulate and improve a building's response to seismic activity from an earthquake. To model the earthquake, a shake table will be constructed (see tutorials for more information). The building itself will be made using K’Nex pieces. Furthermore, various techniques will be used to improve the structures response. Some of these techniques will include adding a cross bracing, utilizing a base isolation system, and, lastly, adding a pendulum mass damper (see background for more information). The project will take a period of at least nine weeks to complete. Until then, we will give updates in the weekly progress section of our website, which will contain information about the group's work in regards to that specific week. After determining the materials needed for our building, we've concluded that the simulated budget for our project is  a total of $499,026.53. Keep in mind that most of this comes from the simulated price of the K’Nex pieces. So, with the exception of the K'Nex pieces, $26.53 of our budget will be additional supplies that the group will purchase. For our final results, we hope to make a structure that is not only cost-efficient but will perform well under seismic forces.  Thank you for visiting our website. Enjoy!