Experimental Studies of an Earthquake Simulator Based on a Cable Parallel Robot

Abstract

Earthquake simulator design is currently receiving significant attention worldwide. An earthquake simulator is a device that reproduces seismic waves generated during an earthquake. This paper presents an experimental study of an earthquake simulator based on a cable parallel robot (CPR) for reproducing three-dimensional ground motion during an earthquake, based on a given seismogram. The experimental studies were conducted on a prototype CPR-based earthquake simulator manufactured at the U.A. Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanical Engineering. The prototype earthquake simulator has two moving platforms. The mobile platform of the earthquake simulator prototype performs translational movements in the X and Y directions using a CPR, while vertical translational movement of the platform along the Z axis is achieved by a cam drive. Experimental studies of the earthquake simulator prototype were conducted to determine the feasibility of reproducing a given earthquake seismogram. Experimental studies of the earthquake simulator prototype with human participants demonstrated the effect of sensing a real earthquake. Using an IMU sensor, acceleration parameters and head tilt angles were recorded in sitting and standing positions. Based on the analysis of the earthquake simulator test results, recommendations were developed for human behavior during a strong earthquake.