Researchers aim to gauge how buildings constructed with reinforced concrete withstand an earthquake by conducting a simulation test at a two-story building built in the 1920s in El Centro, Calif. Engineers will install a spinning device, called an eccentric mass shaker, on the building's roof to induce damage by simulating the pulsing and vibration of an earthquake rattling the structure from the top down.
"This is a very challenging project but a great research opportunity because we are working with an entire existing building," says a member of the research team. The research is important for study of the effectiveness of seismic codes.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2022
Dept. of Energy awards $32 million for next-generation building retrofits
The U.S. Dept. of Energy has awarded a total of $32 million for more than 30 next-generation building retrofit projects that will dramatically improve affordable housing technologies, according to a DOE news release.
Legislation | Mar 18, 2022
New framework to help site community solar projects released
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) released a new report to aid policymakers in siting community solar projects.
Codes and Standards | Mar 17, 2022
Dept. of Energy seeks input on building-integrated photovoltaic systems
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) and Building Technologies Office (BTO) recently issued a request for information to gather input on technical and commercial challenges and opportunities for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems.
Legislation | Mar 16, 2022
Weak federal commercial real estate rules will hamper seizing Russian assets
Lax disclosure regulations that have made the U.S. a global hot spot for money laundering via real estate holdings will make it difficult for officials to seize properties from Russian oligarchs.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2022
First company awarded Fitwel Certification in Senior Housing for Occupant Health & Wellness
The Springs at Greer Gardens in Eugene, Ore., is the first property to earn a Fitwel global health certification under the newly created senior housing scorecard.
Codes and Standards | Mar 10, 2022
HOK offers guidance for reducing operational and embodied carbon in labs
Global design firm HOK has released research providing lab owners and developers guidance for reducing operational and embodied carbon to meet net zero goals.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2022
Late payments in the construction industry rose in 2021
Last year was a tough one for contractors when it comes to getting paid on time.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2022
Massachusetts proposed energy code changes don’t ban gas
Proposed changes to the Massachusetts energy code would provide incentives for builders to fully electrify buildings, but not impose a ban on natural gas hookups.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2022
Construction industry faces a 650,000 worker shortfall in 2022
The U.S. construction industry must hire an additional 650,000 workers in 2022 to meet the expected demand for labor, according to a model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 4, 2022
FAA offers $1 billion in grants for airport terminal and tower projects
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now accepting applications for about $1 billion in grants for airport projects during fiscal year 2022.