Ramona Convent Engineering Students Completes an Earthquake-Resistant Building Project

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Ramona Convent Secondary School (RCSS) Engineering students completed an Earthquake-Resistant Building project where they got practical experience in engineering, mathematics, science, architecture, and economics.

During the unit, students constructed a structure that could withstand earthquakes of different magnitudes. They anticipated how their designs would perform during the rigorous testing of the buildings using myQuake mini shaker system. This platform was equipped with two accelerometer inputs to measure acceleration along the x and y-axes while subjected to incremental forces.

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Students observed the effect of mass distribution, structural design, and resonant frequency on their structures’ ability to resist earthquake damage. Each team conducted a thorough analysis of the collected dataset with and without a heavy roof load. They developed a comprehensive design proposal, carefully considering tradeoffs between building height, cost, and safety.

Additionally, they acquired soldering skills and incorporated LED lights into each apartment of the 12-story building. Then they observed the lights’ acceleration during the shake.

Ramona Convent Secondary School, 1701 W. Ramona Rd., Alhambra, CA 91803, (626) 282-4151 or visit www.ramonaconvent.org.