Ainsworth Contributes to World’s Largest Earthquake Shake Table Test
7.8.09
Photo courtesy J.W. van de Lindt, CSU.
Vancouver, CANADA — Ainsworth, a leading manufacturer of Oriented Strand Board (OSB), provided structural sheathing for the world’s largest earthquake shake table test. The OSB sheathing was subjected to a simulated 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Japan’s E-Defense shake table on July 14. Results proved that wood-frame construction is suitable for higher mid-rise structures located in areas subject to seismic conditions.
The Network for Earthquake Engineering and Simulation NEESWood Capstone tests were conducted in Miki City, Japan, by Colorado State University in conjunction with an international research team including Japan’s Building Research Institute, University of British Columbia (UBC) and industry partners such as APA – The Engineered Wood Association, Simpson Strong-Tie and Ainsworth.
The objective of the research was to test new design and construction methods, specifically focusing on taller wood-frame buildings suitable for earthquake-prone areas. In the past, builders have relied on wood for buildings of up to four stories, using other more expensive options for taller structures. With today’s tight economy, builders are now considering wood for higher mid-rise wood structures. The NEESWood Capstone project tested a seven-story light-frame wood multifamily structure.
Early results from the July 14 earthquake simulation show that the structure staved off catastrophic damage. Inspection immediately following the simulated earthquake showed that the building was structurally intact. Had the 23-unit complex been occupied, it would have provided life safety protection and could have been immediately occupied.
According to John van de Lindt, Colorado State University civil engineering professor and principal investor for the project, current building code requirements for wood construction are not based on a global seismic design philosophy. “Wood elements are typically designed independently of each other, without consideration to the influences their stiffness and strength has on other structural components in the system,” says van de Lindt. The NEESWood project seeks to develop a seismic design philosophy that will safely increase the height of wood-frame structures in active seismic zones. “Early results from the testing were overwhelmingly positive,” states van de Lindt. “This research clearly demonstrates that mid-rise wood-frame structures perform well under severe seismic conditions.”
The U.S. federal and Canadian governments will use the results of the research to reevaluate building regulations. On April 1 the British Columbia government recently changed its building code to permit six-story wood structures. According to Terry Stone, general manager, marketing, “Wood construction is a cost-effective way to build, so this is outstanding news for builders.”
About Ainsworth
For more than half a century, Ainsworth has been respected as a successful forest products company known for its innovation, quality and service. Ainsworth is a leading international manufacturer and supplier of engineered wood products for residential, commercial and industrial applications. The company has operations in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, Canada. AinsworthEngineered® OSB and plywood products are APA-certified and known for their consistent quality and reliability. For more information about Ainsworth products, visit www.ainsworthengineered.com
About NEESWood
NSF created the George E. Brown Jr. Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation or NEES to improve the understanding of earthquakes and their effects. NEES is network of 15 large-scale, experimental facilities that feature shake tables and centrifuges that simulate earthquake effects as well as a tsunami wave basin. John Van de Lindt manages NSF’s $1.4 million grant for Colorado State, Texas A&M University, State University of New York-Buffalo, Rensselear Polytechnic Institute and the University of Delaware and is leading the NEESWood project. The goal of NEESWood is to safely increase the height of wood-frame construction buildings in the U.S. to six stories while effectively incorporating technology that minimizes damage incurred by seismic events. www.nees.org
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