Dynamic sensors for in-situ structural system identification and seismic microzonation

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This proposal relates to the acquisition of six portable seismic sensors to support earthquake engineering research activities at McGill University, École Polytechnique de Montréal and University of New Brunswick. The sensors and their data acquisition system are all-in-one stations that can be deployed at single sites or in small synchronized arrays. Ambient vibration measurements (AVM) in existing buildings are used to extract their essential dynamic characteristics (natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping effects), in view of predicting their dynamic response to earthquake. AVM at soil sites is used to evaluate the fundamental frequency of the site and the global amplification effects anticipated in the earthquake response of buildings at these locations. These site measurements are used in the preparation of seismic microzonation maps of a territory (the province of Québec in this proposal). The portable sensors will also be used in the Structures Laboratory at École Polytechnique to supplement their sensitive instruments (to be acquired) for multi-point accurate measurements when large and or very flexible specimens are tested. This also includes shake table testing of flexible structural sub-assemblies, architectural components and flexible or flexibly-connected building operational components. All this work is carried out under the umbrella of the Canadian Seismic Research Network (CSRN) (2008-2013). UNB and McGill have also engaged in collaboration on the in situ identification of wood/hybrid heavy systems. This work is part of the research program elaborated in the September 2009 proposal for the NSERC Strategic Network on Innovative Wood Products and Building Systems (NEWBuildS) (2010-2015), currently under review. The proposed research to be carried out with this equipment finds critical applications in the improvement of the seismic provisions of the National Building Code of Canada for all building types, and in particular for wood/hybrid buildings that are not covered at present. Advances in seismic microzonation mapping will also lead to improved vulnerability and risk assessment methods for buildings and their architectural and functional components.