Nonstructural Components Simulator to Launch in Fall 2007
UB’s Nonstructural Components Simulator (NCS) – the only one of its type in the world – will be commissioned with a symposium and demonstration sometime this fall. The NCS is a modular and versatile two-level platform for experimental performance evaluation of nonstructural components and equipment under realistic full scale floor motions. The simulator can provide the dynamic stroke necessary to replicate full-scale displacements, velocities and accelerations at the upper levels of multi-story buildings during earthquake shaking.
Gilberto Mosqueda, UB, is overseeing the simulator’s installation and inaugural test, which will include a fully-equipped hospital emergency suite. The commissioning of the simulator will also include a symposium on nonstructural components issues and research. Additional information will soon be available at MCEER and SEESL.