Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory

We launched in 1983 and then expanded in 2003 through grants by the National Science Foundation. Since then, the laboratory has grown and expanded in both size and research capabilities.

About Us

2/28/19

The University at Buffalo's (UB) Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL) provides services to the faculty and staff of the Department of Civil, Structural, and, Environmental Engineering (CSEE), as well as seismic qualification and other testing services for industry clients. SEESL is equipped with a diverse array of test equipment and platforms, including earthquake simulation tables, a geotechnical laminar box, a strong floor and strong wall, and more.

Shake Tables

8/21/23

For earthquake simulations, one of the services we provide are shake tables. Currently, there are two, relocatable, 7.0m x 7.0m platforms with six-degrees of freedom. Each table is capable of 50 tons payload.

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Facilities

Accreditations

SEESL is accredited by the International Accreditation Service under ISO/IEC 17025 for the following seismic qualification protocols:

Structural GR-63-CORE NEBS Requirements: physical protection
ICC ES AC156: Seismic certification by shake-table testing of nonstructural components (test methods referenced in section 6.0)
IEEE Std. 344: Seismic qualification of equipment for nuclear power generating stations
IEEE Std. 693: Recommended Practice for Seismic Design of Substations (testing practices only)

Research Projects

Bolted Splice Details for Composite Plate Shear Walls—Concrete Filled (Part I: Component Level Test)
8/28/23
This project aims to develop and validate bolted splice details for C-PSW/CF, a structural system designed for non-seismic regions like New York City and Boston. The focus is on areas where bolted splices are preferred over welded ones due to wind demands outweighing elastic seismic forces in splice design.
Achieving Resilient Multi-Span Bridge by using Buckling-Restrained Braces
6/16/22
The concept uses inexpensive braces called Buckling Restrained Braces (BRBs) and sliding bearings that work together to protect the bridge columns and superstructure from damage, so that the bridge can withstand the three-dimensional ground motions caused by earthquakes.
Experimental investigation of a mid-height seismic isolation for slender safety-class equipment in advanced nuclear power plants
6/3/22
Recent studies have shown that the seismic load case can substantially increase the overnight capital cost (OCC) of safety-class equipment in advanced nuclear power plants.

More SEESL Projects >