QUAKEMATE: Bringing Earthquake Science to Classrooms

Affordable Shake Table for K-12 & Universities

At QuakeLogic, we believe that hands-on learning is the most powerful way to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. That’s why we developed QUAKEMATE, a small-scale, classroom-ready shake table designed to make earthquake science engaging, practical, and affordable.

Why QUAKEMATE?

Earthquakes are powerful reminders of nature’s force, and understanding them is vital for building safer communities. QUAKEMATE gives students the opportunity to experience realistic seismic simulations right inside their classroom or lab — no advanced equipment or technical setup required.

With QUAKEMATE, students can:

  • Test Model Structures: Build and shake bridges, towers, and houses to see how they react.
  • Learn Resonant Frequencies: Discover why some structures collapse while others survive.
  • Explore Engineering Concepts: Apply physics and design principles to strengthen their models.
  • Engage in Teamwork: Collaborate on exciting experiments that bring theory to life.

Key Features

  • Realistic Simulation – Replicates seismic wave patterns to mimic earthquake behavior.
  • Advanced LED Control – Adjustable cycles (0–30 Hz) to match real-world P-wave frequencies.
  • Custom Sequences – Program up to 8 minutes of unique shaking patterns.
  • Classroom-Friendly Design – Lightweight, quiet, and safe for students of all ages.
  • Durable Build – Built for long-term educational use at an accessible price.
  • Hands-On STEM Learning – Includes plywood plates, bolts, and washers for simulating loads.

Specifications at a Glance

  • Power: 110V & 220V compatible
  • Payload: Up to 30 kg
  • Operation: Standalone (no computer needed)
  • Control: LED display, programmable sequences
  • Extras: Comes with setup guide and student project ideas

A Powerful Educational Tool

QUAKEMATE isn’t just a lab device — it’s an educational experience. From elementary schools to engineering programs, this shake table helps students connect theory with practice, making lessons in physics, geology, engineering, and resilience come alive.

Imagine a classroom where students build miniature skyscrapers, program a quake sequence, and then watch how their designs perform under simulated seismic stress. With QUAKEMATE, seeing is believing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is QUAKEMATE safe for classrooms?
Yes — it’s designed for safe, risk-free use in K-12 and university environments.

Q: What kind of structures can be tested?
From popsicle-stick bridges to LEGO® towers, any small-scale model can be tested.

Q: Does it replicate real earthquakes?
It mimics seismic motion patterns, helping students understand how structures respond.

Q: Can students program their own shake patterns?
Absolutely — up to 8 minutes of custom shaking can be set.

Who Is QUAKEMATE For?

  • K-12 Schools – Hands-on STEM learning for science fairs, labs, and afterschool programs.
  • Universities – Introductory tool for civil engineering, physics, and seismology courses.
  • STEM Outreach Programs – Demonstrations for public education and disaster preparedness.

Conclusion

The QUAKEMATE Shake Table is an affordable, portable, and powerful tool for making earthquake education exciting and interactive. It bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world science, empowering students to become future engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

👉 Ready to bring QUAKEMATE to your classroom or lab?
📞 Call us at +1-916-899-0391 | 📧 Email: sales@quakelogic.net
🌐 Visit us at https://products.quakelogic.net/product/eqs-tremor-table/

Galperin vs Orthogonal Seismometer Configurations: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters?

In seismic monitoring, triaxial seismometers are essential tools that capture ground motion in three dimensions. But not all triaxial sensors are designed the same way. Two dominant configurations exist: the orthogonal layout and the Galperin symmetric design. Understanding the difference between them is key when deciding how to choose a broadband seismometer or designing your seismic network.

Orthogonal Configuration: The Traditional Layout

Orthogonal seismometers use three sensing elements aligned at right angles:

  • X-axis (East-West)
  • Y-axis (North-South)
  • Z-axis (Vertical)

This configuration provides direct and intuitive measurements of ground motion along geographic axes. It is commonly found in strong-motion sensors and legacy seismic stations.

Pros:

  • Simple and direct mapping to geographic directions
  • Standard format for data processing
  • Useful in structural monitoring when orientation is controlled

Cons:

  • Requires precise alignment to true North and level installation
  • Uneven horizontal sensitivity
  • Prone to increased cross-axis coupling due to asymmetry

Galperin Configuration: The Modern Symmetric Design

First introduced by Evgeny Galperin, this configuration uses three identical sensors, each spaced 120° apart and tilted equally from vertical (typically ~35.26°). Rather than directly measuring along X, Y, and Z, these sensors capture intermediate components. Standard vertical and horizontal motion is then reconstructed through a simple mathematical transformation.

Galperin geometry forms the basis of modern broadband seismometers, including all broadband seismometers offered by QuakeLogic.

Pros:

  • Isotropic azimuthal sensitivity for uniform horizontal response
  • Mechanically balanced and compact design
  • Easier installation — no need for precise geographic orientation
  • Ideal for low-noise, high-fidelity broadband recording
  • Often includes self-leveling mechanisms

Cons:

  • Requires post-processing to derive standard components (Z, N, E)
  • May be unfamiliar to users expecting direct XYZ outputs

Coordinate Transformation in Galperin Systems

The raw sensor outputs (V1, V2, V3) from a Galperin layout are converted into vertical (Z) and orthogonal horizontal (X, Y or N, E) components through a transformation matrix. The result is functionally identical to orthogonal output — but with superior mechanical and dynamic performance.

To obtain standard seismic components — vertical (Z), north (N), and east (E) — from a Galperin-configured broadband seismometer, a mathematical transformation is applied to the raw outputs of the three equally tilted sensors.

Galperin sensors are mounted 120° apart in azimuth and tilted at approximately 35.26° from vertical. This symmetric geometry ensures equal sensitivity in all horizontal directions, making it ideal for high-fidelity broadband seismic recording.

The transformation to orthogonal components is handled by a fixed matrix derived from the Galperin geometry. Here’s a practical example in Python that demonstrates how to convert the raw Galperin outputs (V1, V2, V3) into Z, N, and E components:

import numpy as np

def galperin_to_orthogonal(V1, V2, V3):
    """
    Transforms Galperin outputs (V1, V2, V3) into orthogonal components (Z, N, E).
    
    Assumes Galperin sensors are tilted 35.26 degrees from vertical and 120 degrees apart in azimuth.
    """

    # Galperin angle in degrees and radians
    alpha_deg = 35.2643897  # approximately arccos(1/sqrt(3))
    alpha_rad = np.radians(alpha_deg)

    # Transformation matrix based on Galperin geometry
    # Source: Galperin 1985; commonly used form
    T = np.array([
        [np.cos(alpha_rad), np.cos(alpha_rad), np.cos(alpha_rad)],  # Z (vertical)
        [np.sin(alpha_rad), -0.5 * np.sin(alpha_rad), -0.5 * np.sin(alpha_rad)],  # N (North)
        [0, np.sqrt(3)/2 * np.sin(alpha_rad), -np.sqrt(3)/2 * np.sin(alpha_rad)]  # E (East)
    ])

    # Stack Galperin outputs into column vector
    V = np.array([V1, V2, V3])

    # Perform transformation
    Z, N, E = T @ V

    return Z, N, E

# Example usage
V1, V2, V3 = 0.1, 0.2, 0.15  # Example raw sensor outputs
Z, N, E = galperin_to_orthogonal(V1, V2, V3)

print("Vertical (Z):", Z)
print("North (N):", N)
print("East (E):", E)

This code is useful for researchers, engineers, or software developers integrating Galperin seismometers into their own data acquisition systems or post-processing pipelines.

Why Galperin Excels in Broadband Performance

Galperin-configured sensors offer lower cross-axis sensitivity, reduced internal noise, and azimuthal symmetry. This makes them particularly suited for high-precision seismological research.

Optimizing Your Network Design

Because Galperin-based instruments don’t require precise geographic orientation, they simplify field deployments and reduce installation error. This is especially helpful in large-scale projects and remote installations.

✅ QuakeLogic’s Seismometer Solution

At QuakeLogic, we exclusively offer Galperin-type broadband seismometers, engineered for superior sensitivity, symmetrical mechanical design, and fast, easy deployment. Our systems are:

  • Fully turnkey, with no licensing or calibration fees
  • Designed for broadband performance with low self-noise
  • Delivered with user-friendly software and optional remote monitoring tools
  • Compatible with standard seismic analysis workflows

Whether you’re deploying a temporary station or building out a national seismic network, Galperin configuration delivers the performance you need with the reliability you trust.

📞 Contact Us

Ready to upgrade your monitoring system? Reach out to our team at sales@quakelogic.net or browse our product line at products.quakelogic.net to explore QuakeLogic’s advanced broadband solutions.

Acoustic Emission Monitoring for Detecting Cracks in Steel Bridges

The safety and longevity of steel bridges are vital for transportation infrastructure. Continuous exposure to traffic-induced vibrations, thermal fluctuations, and environmental stresses can lead to structural degradation over time. Acoustic Emission Monitoring (AEM) provides a real-time, advanced approach to detecting and tracking crack propagation in steel bridges, enabling early maintenance and extending service life.

Æmission Digitizer/Recorder: The Core of Our AEM System

At the heart of our monitoring solution is Æmission, a state-of-the-art acoustic emission monitoring system designed for high-speed data acquisition and real-time signal processing.

  • High-Speed Data Acquisition: Operates at 1.25 MSps @ 18-bit resolution or 5 MSps @ 16-bit resolution, ensuring high-fidelity signal capture.
  • Patented FPGA Algorithms: Developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Turin, enabling onboard processing of acoustic emission waves.
  • Localized Data Processing: Extracts key crack progression indicators, such as βt, b-value, and cumulative count, facilitating predictive maintenance strategies.
  • Proven Performance: Validated through the MONFRON project, a large-scale experimental initiative funded by Regione Toscana in Italy.

Acoustic Emission (AE) Technology for Structural Health Monitoring

Acoustic emission (AE) is the release of stress waves within a material caused by internal structural changes or external mechanical loads. These waves propagate through the material and can be detected to assess its condition, revealing cracks or other forms of damage.

AE testing is a non-destructive technique used to identify and monitor crack development in structures, including metals, concrete, and composites. When subjected to mechanical stress, temperature variations, or environmental changes, a structure generates acoustic emissions that sensors capture on its surface.

The recorded signals are processed using advanced software and hardware to pinpoint the AE source and locate potential damage. Continuous monitoring allows engineers to track crack progression, evaluate structural integrity, and make data-driven decisions regarding maintenance, repairs, or replacements. AE testing is a crucial tool for ensuring the safety and longevity of critical structures across industries such as aerospace, civil engineering, and manufacturing.

Application of AEM in Steel Bridges

Steel bridges experience constant mechanical and environmental stress, making them susceptible to fatigue cracks and localized failures. Implementing an AEM system on existing steel bridges provides real-time insights into structural integrity and ensures early intervention before catastrophic failures occur.

Use Cases:

  • Traffic-Induced Vibrations: AE sensors monitor crack initiation and progression in high-stress zones such as welds and riveted connections.
  • Thermal Fluctuations: Seasonal temperature changes cause expansion and contraction, exacerbating material fatigue.
  • Corrosion Monitoring: Detects stress-corrosion cracking, an insidious form of material degradation.
  • Emergency Event Detection: Sudden impacts (e.g., vehicle collisions, seismic activity) introduce immediate damage, with AE-based monitoring aiding rapid response.
  • Predictive Maintenance Planning: Engineers analyze AE data trends to forecast maintenance needs, minimizing costs and avoiding unscheduled repairs.

Æmission System Architecture

Æmission is supplied with eight piezoceramic sensors, selected and characterized with assistance from the Polytechnic University of Turin for optimal civil structure monitoring. These sensors are strategically placed around the monitored area and connected via 10-meter cables.

Key Features:

  • Analog Signal Processing: The analog signals from the piezoceramic sensors are conditioned and level-adapted by a cascade of analog filters before digital conversion.
  • High-Speed Data Conversion: Eight high-speed ADCs (1.25MSps@18bit or 5MSps@16bit) continuously convert analog signals into digital format, synchronized to the same clock source.
  • Parallel Processing with FPGA: Digital signals are acquired and processed in parallel by the FPGA, with only relevant events transferred to the Linux CPU.
  • Data Storage & Remote Sharing: Events are stored locally within the Linux CPU and can be shared remotely via WiFi or 3.5G connection.
  • Integrated GNSS Receiver: Synchronizes multiple Æmission units, enabling scalable monitoring across extensive infrastructures.
  • Comprehensive Data Analysis: After sufficient monitoring, parameter plots help analyze cracking patterns and structural health trends.

Real-World Monitoring Example

The following graphs represent an ongoing acoustic emission survey in a marble quarry:

  • AE Cumulative Count
  • AE/hour Trends
  • Event Frequency Distribution
  • Amplitude Variations
  • βt and b-value Progression
  • 3D Localization of Emission Sources

In the 3D representation, blue squares denote AE sensors, while red dots indicate the localization of emission sources.

Implementation Plan

Our proposal outlines a comprehensive approach to designing, installing, and maintaining an AEM system for steel bridges:

  1. Site Assessment & Sensor Placement: Identify high-risk zones and strategically install AE sensors.
  2. Real-Time Data Collection & Processing: Utilize the Æmission digitizer/recorder for continuous monitoring.
  3. Data Interpretation & Reporting: Implement advanced algorithms to analyze AE parameters and generate actionable insights.
  4. Predictive Maintenance & Intervention: Leverage AEM data to schedule repairs before structural failure occurs.

Why QuakeLogic’s AE Monitoring System?

QuakeLogic’s AE monitoring system is a cutting-edge solution for steel bridge health assessment. Our system is designed for high-performance data acquisition, real-time crack detection, and predictive maintenance planning. By investing in our AE monitoring technology, bridge owners and engineers can ensure structural safety, extend service life, and reduce maintenance costs.

Buy Our AE System Today!

Visit our website to explore our state-of-the-art acoustic emission monitoring hardware and equip your infrastructure with the latest technology for proactive maintenance.

BUY ACOUSTIC EMISSION SYSTEM NOW!

About QuakeLogic

QuakeLogic is a global leader in monitoring solutions, offering innovative technologies for accurate seismic data acquisition and analysis. Our solutions empower organizations worldwide to predict, understand, and mitigate risks effectively.

For more information or inquiries, reach out to our sales team today!