2009 Courses & Clusters

Cluster 4 - Earthquakes In Action

Instructors:
P. Benson Shing, Professor, Structural Engineering, University of California at San Diego
Kevin Robinson, Lecturer, Geological Sciences, San Diego State University
Andreas Stavridis, Doctoral Candidate, Structural Engineering, University California at San Diego
Gabriele Guerrini, PhD Student, Structural Engineering, University of California at San Diego

Description:
Ever wonder why earthquakes occur? Ever wonder if your hometown lies along the part of an active earthquake fault? And just what is the San Andreas Fault all about? In this cluster, students will join scientists from the Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics at Scripps Institution of Oceanography to learn the answers to these questions and more, exploring the basics of plate tectonics on our active planet with a close-up view of the San Andreas Fault System. Students will use state-of-the-art 3D computer earthquake models to help understand seismic activity and test their own theories of stress build-up on fault systems.

Furthermore, students will join engineers in the Department of Structural Engineering to be introduced to the elements of earthquake shaking and dynamic forces, response of buildings and bridges, damage of buildings and bridges during past earthquakes, and earthquake-resistant design concepts through fundamental principles of physics and mathematics. Computer simulations and hands-on dynamic experimentation on models of structures will be primary activities. The course will also include site visits related to large-scale experimental facilities and actual earthquake resistant structures.

2007 Cluster Website

Prerequisite:
Algebra II

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