Inside the Largest Outdoor Earthquake Simulator in the World

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We’re taking you underground and inside the largest outdoor earthquake simulator in the world. You’re about to learn how this high-performance shake table is powered and equipped with smart-control technology that can simulate the most devastating earthquakes in modern history. Located at UC San Diego, the simulator supports the tallest and heaviest buildings ever to be tested for resilience during an earthquake. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the newly upgraded shake table can now replicate ground motions with 6 degrees of freedom.

“With a world-class facility like this,” says Joel Conte, principal investigator, “Our goal is to save lives–in California, in the US, and the world; and also, to prevent tremendous economic losses after an earthquake, that take many, many years to rebuild.”

More information on the shake table: today.ucsd.edu/story/inside-the-largest-outdoor-earthquake-simulator-in-the-world