QuakeLogic Blog Archive

250-kg Uniaxial Shake Table for Precision Seismic Testing

QuakeLogic 250 kg uniaxial shake table with 1 m by 1 m top plate and servo-motor drive

In short: QuakeLogic's 250 kg uniaxial shake table combines a 1 m × 1 m top plate, 250 kg payload at ±1 g, ±200 mm stroke and closed-loop PID control driven by a servo motor. It is IP-based for remote operation, runs the EASYTEST software on any Windows PC without special cards, and is designed as a plug-and-play, low-power, virtually maintenance-free table for seismic testing in research labs.

We are proud to unveil our latest innovation—the state-of-the-art 250-kg Uniaxial Shake Table. This cutting-edge piece of equipment is engineered to provide unparalleled accuracy and performance for seismic testing, making it an essential tool for engineers and researchers focused on advancing structural resilience and earthquake preparedness.

Key Features

  • 1m x 1m Top Table: Ample space for a variety of test setups.
  • 250 kg Payload Capacity (@ ±1g): Designed to handle robust testing requirements.
  • ±200 mm Stroke: Provides the flexibility needed for detailed simulations.
  • Closed-Loop PID Control: Ensures precise control over testing parameters for reliable results.
  • Powered by a Servo Motor: Delivers smooth, quiet, and highly accurate operations, ideal for earthquake simulations.
  • Easy Setup, Plug & Play: Simplified installation allows you to start testing quickly, minimizing downtime.
  • Low Power Consumption: Designed with energy efficiency in mind, making it cost-effective to operate.
  • High Industrial Quality: Built to last, this shake table is virtually maintenance-free, offering long-term reliability.

Seamless Integration and Remote Control

One of the standout features of our 250-kg Uniaxial Shake Table is its IP-based system, allowing for remote operation and monitoring. Whether you’re in the lab or working from another location, you can maintain full control over your seismic tests. Additionally, the shake table comes equipped with QuakeLogic’s proprietary EASYTEST software, which operates smoothly on any Windows machine without the need for specialized computer cards or hardware.

Designed for Efficiency

The shake table’s compact and sleek design ensures a quick and effortless setup, allowing you to begin your testing with minimal hassle. Its virtually maintenance-free build means you can focus on your research, not on the upkeep of your equipment.

Watch the Shake Table in Action

Curious to see the 250-kg Uniaxial Shake Table at work? Click the YouTube link below to watch a live demonstration, including its control software in use:
Watch Now

shaketable 250kg youtube for "Newly-designed 250-kg Uniaxial Shake Table: Precision and Power for Testing"

Learn More

For detailed specifications or to see more information, visit our product page: QuakeLogic 250-kg Shake Table or contact us directly at sales@quakelogic.net.

Join the ranks of engineers and researchers who are transforming seismic testing and building safer, more resilient infrastructure.

Some of our recent clients are:

  • Nokia,
  • Caltech,
  • University of Texas,
  • Texas AM,
  • Virginia Tech,
  • Imperial College London,
  • UC San Diego,
  • Cooper Union University,
  • University of Alberta,
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico,
  • American University of Sharjah,
  • University of Queensland and many more.

Why Choose QuakeLogic?

  1. Proven Performance: QuakeLogic’s shake tables have been installed and are in use at leading research facilities worldwide.
  2. Custom Solutions: Tailored configurations to meet specific testing needs, whether uniaxial or biaxial.
  3. Expert Support: Our team works closely with clients to ensure successful system installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance, offering full lifecycle support.
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About QuakeLogic

QuakeLogic is a leading provider of advanced seismic monitoring solutions, offering a range of products and services designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of testing, data acquisition, and analysis.

Contact Information:

For more information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact our sales team. We are here to help you with all your testing and monitoring needs.

Key Takeaways

  • Specs: 1 m × 1 m top table, 250 kg payload at ±1 g, ±200 mm stroke, closed-loop PID control, servo-motor drive.
  • The IP-based controller allows remote operation and monitoring from inside or outside the lab.
  • EASYTEST software runs on any Windows machine with no specialized computer cards or hardware.
  • Servo-motor drive is quiet, low-power and virtually maintenance-free compared with hydraulic systems.
  • Installed at Caltech, UC San Diego, Imperial College London, Virginia Tech, University of Texas, Texas A&M, Nokia and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specifications of the QuakeLogic 250 kg uniaxial shake table?

The 250 kg uniaxial shake table has a 1 m × 1 m top table, a 250 kg payload capacity at ±1 g acceleration, ±200 mm stroke, closed-loop PID control and a servo-motor drive. It is IP-based for remote operation, ships with EASYTEST control software for Windows, and is designed for plug-and-play setup, low power consumption and virtually maintenance-free operation.

What does uniaxial mean on a shake table?

A uniaxial shake table moves its top plate along a single horizontal axis. This reproduces one component of earthquake ground motion, which is sufficient for many structural model tests, equipment qualification runs and teaching labs, at lower cost and complexity than biaxial or triaxial tables. QuakeLogic offers both uniaxial and biaxial configurations and can tailor stroke, payload and table size.

Does the 250 kg shake table need a hydraulic power unit?

No. The table is driven by an electro-mechanical servo motor instead of hydraulic actuators, so there is no hydraulic power unit, oil or associated maintenance. The result is smooth, quiet operation, low power consumption and a compact footprint that can be installed quickly in a standard laboratory space without special facility work.

What software controls the QuakeLogic shake table?

The table is controlled by QuakeLogic's EASYTEST software, which runs on any Windows machine without specialized computer cards or additional hardware. Because the controller is IP-based, the operator can run and monitor tests from a PC in the lab or from another location over the network, and a demonstration of the software is available on QuakeLogic's YouTube channel.

Which universities use QuakeLogic shake tables?

Recent QuakeLogic shake table clients include Caltech, University of Texas, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Imperial College London, UC San Diego, Cooper Union, University of Alberta, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, American University of Sharjah, University of Queensland and Nokia. The tables are used for earthquake engineering research, structural model testing and teaching.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.

AC156 Seismic Shake Table Testing and Test Plan Creation

Engineer instrumenting a nonstructural component for AC156 shake table qualification testing in a lab

In short: AC156 shake table testing is the ICC-ES procedure for seismically certifying nonstructural components such as HVAC units, piping, electrical panels and medical equipment. The component is mounted on a shake table driven by a time history matched to the ASCE 7-22 or IBC design response spectrum, preferably biaxially, and must pass three criteria: functional performance, structural integrity and safety. Accelerometers, displacement sensors and load cells record the response.

Comprehensive Guide to AC156 Non-Structural Seismic Testing: Key Technical Insights

Non-structural seismic testing plays a crucial role in ensuring that building components, such as HVAC systems, piping, electrical infrastructure, and essential fixtures, are capable of withstanding seismic events. The widely adopted AC156 standard (Acceptance Criteria for Seismic Certification by Shake-Table Testing of Nonstructural Components) sets forth a technical framework for qualifying non-structural components to ensure their seismic resilience.

This guide aims to provide a deep dive into the technical details of AC156 testing, the steps for generating seismic profiles, and considerations for creating a test plan.

Technical Overview of AC156 Testing

The AC156 standard, developed by the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), outlines the required procedures for assessing non-structural components using shake tables to replicate earthquake ground motion. This ensures that critical building elements remain functional during and after an earthquake, minimizing the potential for failure or dislodgement that could cause hazards.

QuakeLogic shake table platform used for 3-ton and 5-ton seismic testing systems

Key Components of AC156 Testing

Scope of Testing:

  • AC156 covers components that are affixed to buildings and critical infrastructures, such as:
    • Mechanical systems (e.g., HVAC units, piping systems).
    • Electrical systems (e.g., emergency power supplies, control panels, lighting fixtures).
    • Safety and medical equipment (e.g., elevators, emergency medical devices).
  • These components are tested to verify that they either maintain functionality or remain securely fastened after exposure to seismic forces.

Shake Table Testing Methodology:

  • The shake table test is at the heart of AC156, where components are subjected to controlled seismic motion. The shake table simulates the ground motions of an earthquake, applying forces along multiple axes to reproduce real-world earthquake dynamics.
  • Biaxial shaking (testing along two orthogonal axes simultaneously) is the preferred method, as it better simulates real-world conditions. However, uniaxial testing is also acceptable for simpler cases, depending on the component’s design.
  • Shake table inputs are derived from response spectra, ensuring that ground motions are generated based on regional seismic risks and building codes.
  • Seismic Profile Generation:
  • A critical part of the test is the generation of a seismic profile, which reflects the seismic demand based on the design response spectrum. The response spectrum is defined by the ASCE 7-22 standard or the International Building Code (IBC) (or California Building Code) for the region where the component will be installed.
  • Seismic profile generation can be performed using specialized software tools, which allow for matching a time-history record to the target response spectrum either amplitude scaling or spectral matching. The generated time history ensures that the shake table replicates realistic ground motion for the location.

Testing Criteria:

  • Components must meet specific performance criteria based on three key objectives:
    • Functional Testing: Verifying that equipment continues to function under and after seismic motion. For example, an HVAC system must maintain operation to avoid disruption to the building’s climate control.
    • Structural Integrity: Ensuring that components do not suffer from catastrophic structural failures, which could result in dislodgment, overturning, or breakage.
    • Safety: Preventing components from becoming hazards. Even if a component ceases to function, it should not pose additional risks (e.g., falling debris or electrical shock).

Data Collection and Instrumentation

Instrumentation plays a vital role in seismic testing, providing precise data to evaluate the performance of the tested components. Commonly used instruments in AC156 testing include:

  • Accelerometers: These measure the acceleration response of the component, capturing how it reacts to seismic forces.
  • Displacement Sensors: These measure the movement of the component relative to its original position, essential for assessing whether components remain securely anchored.
  • Load Cells: These can be used to measure the forces exerted on the mounting system during the seismic event.

The data from these instruments allow engineers to identify potential failure modes and provide insights into how to improve component design.

Steps for Creating a Test Plan for Shaker-Based Seismic Testing

To ensure comprehensive seismic testing, a well-structured test plan must be developed, accounting for all variables in the testing process:

Component Identification: Begin by identifying the component(s) to be tested, including the type, size, weight, and any specific features that might influence seismic performance.

  • Example: A 500-pound HVAC unit mounted on a rooftop requires different testing parameters than a lightweight lighting fixture mounted on a ceiling.

Seismic Profile Development: Utilize the design response spectrum for the region in which the component will be installed. The spectrum provides the basis for generating the seismic profile.

  • Example: If testing for installation in a high-seismicity region like California, the profile should replicate severe earthquake conditions, as outlined in ASCE 7-22.

Test Objectives:

  • Functional Testing: Determine if the equipment needs to maintain continuous operation after seismic motion. For life-critical systems (e.g., emergency power supplies), functionality is the primary test objective.
  • Safety and Integrity: For non-operational components, confirm that they remain safely fastened without causing hazards (e.g., medical gas lines in hospitals).

Testing:

  1. Instrumentation Setup: Plan the placement of accelerometers, displacement sensors, and load cells to capture detailed data during the test. Data from these instruments will help assess compliance with AC156 standards.
  2. Execution: Execute the test, applying the seismic profile to the shake table. Ensure proper monitoring throughout the test to capture all relevant performance data.
  3. Data Analysis: After the test, analyze the collected data to verify that the component meets the performance criteria. If necessary, adjust the design or mounting configurations to ensure compliance.

Applications and Importance of AC156 Testing

AC156 seismic testing is crucial across multiple industries, including:

  • Commercial Buildings: HVAC systems, lighting, and electrical panels.
  • Healthcare: Seismic compliance for medical equipment, life-support systems, and emergency infrastructure.
  • Data Centers: Server racks and backup systems that require uninterrupted functionality during and after seismic events.
  • Telecommunication: Ensuring the operational continuity of communication networks during a disaster.

About QuakeLogic

QuakeLogic is a leading provider of advanced vibration testing equipment, seismic monitoring solutions, offering a range of products and services designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of lab testing, data acquisition, and analysis.

Contact Information:

  • Email: sales@quakelogic.net
  • Phone: +1-916-899-0391
  • WhatsApp: +1-650-353-8627
  • Website: www.quakelogic.net

For more information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact our sales team. We are here to help you with all your testing and monitoring needs.

Key Takeaways

  • AC156 is published by ICC-ES and covers mechanical, electrical, safety and medical components affixed to buildings.
  • Biaxial shaking on two orthogonal axes is preferred; uniaxial testing is acceptable for simpler components.
  • Seismic profiles are time histories matched to the ASCE 7-22 or IBC/CBC design response spectrum by amplitude scaling or spectral matching.
  • Three performance criteria: continued function, structural integrity (no dislodgement or overturning) and no new hazards.
  • Test plan steps: identify the component, develop the seismic profile, set objectives, instrument, execute and analyze data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AC156 shake table testing?

AC156 shake table testing is the ICC-ES acceptance criteria for seismic certification of nonstructural components by shake-table testing. Components such as HVAC units, piping, control panels, emergency power supplies, elevators and medical devices are subjected to controlled seismic motion to verify they remain functional or securely fastened after an earthquake. It is used in commercial buildings, hospitals, data centers and telecom facilities.

How is the seismic profile for an AC156 test generated?

The seismic profile for an AC156 test is derived from the design response spectrum defined by ASCE 7-22 or the International Building Code (or California Building Code) for the installation region. Software matches a time-history record to that target spectrum using amplitude scaling or spectral matching, producing a shake table input that reproduces realistic ground motion for the site, such as severe California-level demand.

Is biaxial or uniaxial shaking required for AC156?

AC156 prefers biaxial shaking, where the shake table moves along two orthogonal axes simultaneously, because it better reproduces real earthquake dynamics. Uniaxial testing is still acceptable for simpler cases depending on the component's design. The choice should be documented in the test plan along with the response-spectrum-based input motions.

What performance criteria must a component meet under AC156?

Under AC156 a component is judged on three objectives: functional testing (it keeps operating during and after shaking, essential for life-critical systems like emergency power), structural integrity (no catastrophic failure, dislodgement, overturning or breakage) and safety (even if it stops working it must not create hazards such as falling debris or electrical shock).

What instrumentation is used during AC156 shake table tests?

AC156 shake table tests typically use accelerometers to capture the component's acceleration response, displacement sensors to measure movement relative to its original position and confirm anchorage, and load cells to measure forces on the mounting system. Sensor placement is planned in the test plan, and the recorded data is analyzed afterward to verify compliance and identify failure modes.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.

Affordable Shake Table: Shakebot for Engineering Research

Shakebot open-source single-axis shake table with control box on a lab bench

In short: Shakebot is an affordable open-source shake table built from low-cost, high-precision components and controlled with Python on the Robot Operating System (ROS). The single-axis horizontal table measures 290 × 810 mm, carries 50 kg at 1 g, reaches 2,000 mm/s, strokes ±140 mm, runs to 25 Hz and positions to 0.08 mm. Caltech replayed the same ROS ground motions from simulation in physical precariously balanced rock tests.

Shake tables provide a critical tool for simulating earthquake events and testing the response of structures to seismic forces. However, most existing shake tables are either prohibitively expensive or proprietary, limiting their accessibility for educational and research purposes. To bridge this gap, we present Shakebot, a low-cost, open-source shake table designed specifically for engineering research and education.

Shakebot open-source single-axis shake table with control box on a lab bench

Key Features of Shakebot

The Shakebot is built using affordable, high-precision components. This approach not only keeps the cost down but also ensures the reliability and accuracy needed for vibration testing. Here are some of the standout features:

  • Open-Source Software with ROS: The shake table runs on the Robot Operating System (ROS), allowing for modular software integration and facilitating easy transition from simulation to physical experiments.
  • Accessible and User-Friendly: The Shakebot’s low cost and simple setup make it ideal for students, educators, and researchers, especially in low-resource settings.

Specifications:

  • Degree of Freedom: Single 
  • Movement Degree: Horizontal Table 
  • Dimensions: 290 x 810 mm (excluding control box)
  • Payload: 50 kg @ 1 g 
  • Velocity: 2,000 mm/s 
  • Stroke: +/-140 mm (380 mm) 
  • Max. Operating Frequency @ 1kg 10mm: 25 Hz 
  • Position Precision: 0.08 mm
  • Max. acceleration at 5 kg and 2,000 mm/s: 5 g
  • Software: Python (supported by Robot Operating System)
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Seeing is Believing

Watch the demonstration video of shakebot by clicking the link below:

Shake table testing equipment for "Affordable Shake Table: Shakebot for Engineering Research"


Application in Precariously Balanced Rocks (PBR) Research

One of the most exciting applications of the Shakebot is in the study of Precariously Balanced Rocks (PBRs) by CALTECH. PBRs serve as natural markers that indicate the absence of significant seismic activity in an area. With the Shakebot, the researchers validated the simulations through physical testing.

By reusing the control programs developed in ROS, the CALTECH researches ensured that the ground motions used in simulations are identical to those applied in the physical experiments. This consistency was vital for validating the accuracy of the simulation and ensuring reliable results in both virtual and real-world settings.

Why Choose Shakebot?

  • Affordable: Built using readily available components, Shakebot offers a high-performance solution at a fraction of the cost of traditional shake tables.
  • Open-Source: With ROS-based software, Shakebot allows for extensive customization, making it suitable for a wide range of seismic research applications.
  • Versatile: Whether you are testing small-scale structures or conducting PBR studies, Shakebot is a highly flexible tool for both education and research.

QuakeLogic Is Proud to Offer Shakebot

At QuakeLogic, we are committed to providing innovative seismic monitoring and testing solutions. Shakebot is a proud addition to our product lineup, designed to meet the needs of researchers, educators, and engineers seeking an affordable yet high-precision shake table.

About QuakeLogic

QuakeLogic is a leading provider of advanced seismic monitoring solutions, offering a range of products and services designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of testing, data acquisition, and analysis.

Contact Information:

For more information about our products and services, please visit our website or contact our sales team. We are here to help you with all your testing and monitoring needs.

With Shakebot, QuakeLogic continues its mission to democratize earthquake engineering tools, ensuring that vital seismic research and education are accessible to everyone.

Key Takeaways

  • Single-DOF horizontal table, 290 × 810 mm excluding the control box, payload 50 kg at 1 g.
  • Velocity 2,000 mm/s, stroke ±140 mm (380 mm total), 0.08 mm position precision.
  • Max operating frequency 25 Hz at 1 kg and 10 mm; peak 5 g acceleration at 5 kg and 2,000 mm/s.
  • Runs on ROS with Python, so simulation control programs transfer directly to physical tests.
  • Caltech applied Shakebot to precariously balanced rock research to validate simulations against physical shaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specifications of the Shakebot shake table?

Shakebot is a single-degree-of-freedom horizontal table measuring 290 × 810 mm excluding its control box. It carries 50 kg at 1 g, reaches 2,000 mm/s velocity, provides ±140 mm stroke (380 mm total), operates up to 25 Hz with a 1 kg payload at 10 mm amplitude, positions to 0.08 mm, and peaks at 5 g with 5 kg at 2,000 mm/s. Control software is Python running on the Robot Operating System.

Why does Shakebot use ROS (Robot Operating System)?

ROS gives Shakebot a modular, open-source software stack, so researchers can integrate their own controllers, sensors and logging without proprietary tools. Its main advantage is continuity between simulation and experiment: the same ROS control programs that drive a simulated table can drive the physical one, guaranteeing that the ground motion applied in the lab is identical to the one used in simulation. That makes validation studies direct and repeatable.

How was Shakebot used in precariously balanced rock research?

Caltech researchers used Shakebot to study precariously balanced rocks (PBRs), natural formations whose survival indicates that strong shaking has not occurred at a site over long periods. They first modeled PBR toppling in simulation, then reused the same ROS control programs to apply identical ground motions to physical models on Shakebot. Matching the simulated and physical results validated the simulation approach for interpreting PBRs as seismic-hazard constraints.

What is the difference between Shakebot and a conventional commercial shake table?

Most shake tables are expensive, proprietary systems with closed controllers, which limits access for teaching and small research groups. Shakebot is built from readily available, high-precision components, keeping cost to a fraction of a conventional table, and its ROS-based software is open source and fully customizable. It trades large payload and multi-axis capability for affordability, simple setup and transparency, which suits education, low-resource labs and small-scale structural or PBR experiments.

What payload and acceleration can an open-source shake table like Shakebot reach?

Shakebot carries up to 50 kg at 1 g, which covers most small-scale model structures and rock specimens. With a lighter 5 kg payload and the full 2,000 mm/s velocity it reaches 5 g peak acceleration. Maximum operating frequency is 25 Hz measured with 1 kg at 10 mm amplitude, and the ±140 mm stroke allows long-period motions to be reproduced within the table's travel.

Need help with a project? QuakeLogic designs and supplies seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound, and shake table systems. Browse QuakeLogic products or contact our engineering team with your site, structure, or test requirements.