Development Of A tri-axial Seismo-Accelero-Crackometer for earthquake ground motion and structural damage detection

Abstract

Monitoring of earthquake ground motions required separate use of seismometer and accelerometer, to measure magnitude and distance, and intensity of the earthquake respectively. However, systems currently available are expensive, limiting user’s monitoring capability. This paper presents the development of tri-axial Seismo-Accelero-Crackometer for earthquake ground motion and structural damage detection. The system which consists of a spring-mass damper with sinusoidally forced eight identical linear springs, is developed such that the mass absolute motions and motion relative to base can be measured when force arising from base excitation imposed to the system. Similar concept of ground motion detection is applied locally to detect the wave or force released by the crack, indicating initiation of structural damage. Apart from measuring the three components of ground motions, Seismo-Accelero-Crackometer would also able to detect structural damage, hence providing economically practical solution for structural monitoring against earthquakes and damages, currently not practiced in most developing countries.