QuakeLogic Blog Archive

Bringing Earthquake Science to Life in the Classroom with the ATOM Shake Table

Shake table testing equipment for "Instructions for Maintaining the ATOM Shake Table in a Lab Environment"

Understanding earthquakes and their impact on structures is a critical part of education, especially in the fields of science and engineering studies. Teaching these concepts can be challenging without the right tools. Enter QuakeLogic’s ATOM Shake Table—a game-changer for educational environments. The ATOM Shake Table offers a hands-on, interactive way to demonstrate the effects of seismic activity in the classroom, making earthquake science both accessible and engaging.

What is the ATOM Shake Table? The ATOM Shake Table by QuakeLogic is America’s #1 Most Loved ❤️ and #1 Most Wanted UNIAXIAL DESKTOP SHAKE TABLE!

Compact, portable, and powerful, it is designed to simulate earthquake conditions in a controlled environment. It’s perfect for classrooms, labs, and science fairs, allowing students to observe how different structures respond to seismic forces. With a 50-kg payload capacity, this versatile tool brings earthquake science to life in a way that textbooks alone cannot.

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Key Features of the ATOM Shake Table:

  • Portable and Durable: Despite its robust construction, the ATOM Shake Table is lightweight and comes with a hard case equipped with wheels for easy transport. Move it effortlessly between classrooms or take it on the road for off-site demonstrations.
  • 50-kg Payload Capacity: Capable of handling up to 50 kg, the ATOM Shake Table provides a powerful platform for testing various models and structures.
  • Realistic Seismic Simulation: Achieve up to 1 g peak acceleration with a ±125 mm stroke at a 50-kg payload. This capability allows you to replicate a wide range of seismic events, from mild tremors to powerful quakes, giving students a real-world understanding of how different magnitudes affect structures.
  • Smooth and Quiet Performance: Powered by advanced servo motor technology, the ATOM Shake Table delivers smooth and quiet operation, ensuring an uninterrupted learning experience.
  • User-Friendly Software: Its control software, EASYTEST, is beautifully designed, simple to use, and incredibly user-friendly. EASYTEST controls everything from data logging to real-time visualizations, making the entire process seamless. There’s no need for additional software or post-processing—everything you need is right at your fingertips.

Educational Benefits: The ATOM Shake Table provides numerous educational benefits:

  • Interactive Learning: Students can engage in hands-on experiments by building their own models and testing them under simulated earthquake conditions. This active learning approach reinforces theoretical concepts and fosters critical thinking.
  • Visual and Practical Demonstrations: Instead of relying solely on textbooks and lectures, the ATOM Shake Table allows students to witness the effects of earthquakes in real-time, making abstract concepts more tangible.
  • Collaborative Projects: The shake table is ideal for group projects, encouraging teamwork as students collaborate to design, build, and test their structures.

Why Choose QuakeLogic’s ATOM Shake Table? QuakeLogic is a leader in seismic testing technology, and the ATOM Shake Table reflects our commitment to quality and innovation. We understand the importance of providing educators with reliable tools that enhance learning, which is why the ATOM Shake Table is built to the highest standards. With QuakeLogic, you’re not just getting a product—you’re gaining a partner in education.

We also offer a modular PLEXIGLASS MODEL STRUCTURE and GEOBOX to simulate structural dynamics as well as liquefaction, landslides and lateral spreading. The photo below shows the GEOBOX.

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Conclusion: Incorporating the ATOM Shake Table into your classroom can transform the way students understand and appreciate the science of earthquakes. It’s more than just a teaching tool; it’s a gateway to deeper learning and discovery.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND SEE ATOM-25 IN-ACTION

Contact Us: For more information or to purchase the ATOM Shake Table for your classroom, reach out to us at sales@quakelogic.net. Let’s work together to make earthquake science an engaging and impactful part of your curriculum!

Last reviewed: 2026-07-04

Executive Summary

Shake tables reproduce controlled motion in the laboratory so engineers can evaluate components, assemblies, soil boxes, and structural models under seismic inputs. This article has been expanded as an engineering resource for readers evaluating shake tables concepts, instrumentation choices, and monitoring workflows. The discussion is educational and should be paired with project-specific review by qualified engineers, applicable codes, owner requirements, and equipment documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • Define the engineering objective before selecting sensors, test equipment, trigger thresholds, or reporting workflows.
  • Use calibrated instrumentation, documented installation practices, time synchronization, and traceable data handling where measurement quality matters.
  • Interpret measured data in context: site conditions, structure type, noise environment, sampling rate, bandwidth, and boundary conditions all affect conclusions.
  • Use authoritative references and project-specific criteria rather than relying on generic thresholds or unsupported performance claims.

Technical Explanation

In practical shake tables work, the engineering system is more than a sensor or a test platform. A credible workflow includes the measurement objective, instrument selection, mounting or boundary conditions, sampling and timing strategy, data validation, event or response detection, engineering review, and reporting. Weakness in any part of that chain can reduce confidence in the final interpretation.

For monitoring applications, engineers should document sensor orientation, coupling, environmental exposure, dynamic range, frequency bandwidth, data logger configuration, clock synchronization, communications, and maintenance procedures. For testing applications, engineers should document input motion, fixture design, payload properties, control limits, safety interlocks, acceptance criteria, and post-test data review.

Engineering Applications

ApplicationEngineering QuestionTypical Evidence Needed
Research and educationHow does a structure, component, or sensor respond under controlled conditions?Test plan, calibrated data, input motion, boundary conditions, and repeatable observations.
Critical infrastructureIs the asset response normal, changing, or potentially unsafe after an event?Baseline data, event records, thresholds, inspection workflow, and engineering sign-off.
Industrial facilitiesCan monitoring support operational continuity and response decisions?Site-specific criteria, reliable telemetry, alarm logic, maintenance records, and documented procedures.

People Also Ask

What should be specified before buying equipment?

Specify the measurement objective, frequency range, amplitude range, environment, data format, timing needs, installation constraints, reporting requirements, and applicable standards or owner criteria.

Why do references and standards matter?

They provide terminology, acceptance criteria, test methods, and documentation expectations. They do not replace engineering judgment, but they reduce ambiguity and make results easier to review.

How should data quality be checked?

Review calibration status, timing, clipping, sensor orientation, signal-to-noise ratio, environmental artifacts, data completeness, and whether the record supports the engineering decision being made.

Related QuakeLogic Resources

References

Recommended Diagram or Download

Media placeholder: Add an original diagram showing the measurement chain from sensor or test platform to data acquisition, analysis, engineering interpretation, and reporting. Where this article becomes a buyer guide or application note, create a downloadable PDF version after engineering review.

Discuss a Monitoring or Testing Application

QuakeLogic supports seismic monitoring, earthquake early warning, structural health monitoring, infrasound monitoring, vibration monitoring, data acquisition, and shake table testing applications. For project-specific guidance, contact QuakeLogic with the asset type, measurement objective, site constraints, and required deliverables.

UNI 9916 Standard and Peak Particle Velocity for Human Comfort

PPV versus frequency plot used for UNI 9916 vibration assessment of a building

In short: The UNI 9916 standard, 'Criteria for the Measurement of Vibrations and the Assessment of Their Effects on Buildings', is the Italian framework for measuring vibration and judging its effect on structures and occupants. Its primary metric is peak particle velocity, PPV = max|v(t)| in mm/s or in/s, computed over moving data windows and compared with thresholds that protect human comfort and structural integrity.

The UNI 9916 standard, formally titled “Criteria for the Measurement of Vibrations and the Assessment of Their Effects on Buildings,” is a crucial guideline in the field of vibration analysis and monitoring. This standard, established by the Italian National Unification Body (UNI), provides a comprehensive framework for assessing the impact of vibrations on structures and human comfort. A key metric in this standard is the Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), which plays a vital role in evaluating how vibrations affect human comfort. In this blog, we’ll delve into the UNI 9916 standard, its applications, and the significance of PPV in monitoring vibrations.

Overview of UNI 9916 Standard

The UNI 9916 standard outlines the methods for measuring and evaluating vibrations in buildings and structures to ensure they remain within acceptable limits. It is particularly concerned with the impact of vibrations on both the structural integrity of buildings and the comfort of their occupants. The standard is widely used in various sectors, including construction, transportation, and industrial operations, where vibrations can be a significant concern.

What is Peak Particle Velocity (PPV)?

Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is a measure of the maximum speed at which particles in a material move due to vibrational energy. In simpler terms, it quantifies the intensity of vibrations. PPV is typically expressed in millimeters per second (mm/s) or inches per second (in/s). It is a critical parameter because it directly correlates with the potential for damage to structures and the level of discomfort experienced by humans.

How to Compute PPV

The PPV is calculated using the following formula:

PPV=max(|v(t)|)

where:

  • v(t) is the particle velocity at time t,
  • max(|v(t)|) represents the maximum absolute value of the particle velocity over a given time period.

In practical applications, the particle velocity v(t) is often measured using sensors placed on structures or in the ground. The PPV is then determined by analyzing the sensor data over a specified duration.

The Role of PPV in Human Comfort Evaluation

When it comes to human comfort, vibrations can be a source of annoyance, stress, and even health issues if they exceed certain thresholds. The UNI 9916 standard uses PPV as a primary metric to assess the impact of vibrations on human comfort. Here’s how PPV is employed in this context:

  1. Establishing Thresholds:
    The standard sets specific PPV thresholds that should not be exceeded to ensure human comfort. These thresholds are determined based on extensive research and field studies that consider the human body’s sensitivity to different vibration frequencies and intensities.
  2. Continuous Monitoring:
    By continuously monitoring PPV, engineers and facility managers can ensure that vibration levels remain within the acceptable range. This is particularly important in environments where vibrations are a constant, such as near construction sites, railways, or industrial operations.
  3. Mitigation Measures:
    If PPV readings exceed the thresholds, immediate action can be taken to mitigate the vibrations. This might involve altering operational procedures, installing vibration dampening systems, or even redesigning certain aspects of the infrastructure to reduce vibration transmission.
  4. Compliance and Reporting:
    Compliance with the UNI 9916 standard often requires regular reporting of PPV measurements. These reports help demonstrate that an organization is taking the necessary steps to protect both their structures and the well-being of occupants.

Moving Window Data Samples

To accurately measure PPV, the data is often analyzed using a moving window approach. This involves dividing the continuous stream of vibration data into smaller, overlapping segments or “windows.” Each window is analyzed separately to determine the PPV within that specific time frame.

The steps for using moving window data samples are as follows:

  1. Data Collection:
    Vibration data is continuously collected using sensors over a period of time.
  2. Windowing:
    The data is divided into overlapping segments or windows. The size of each window and the amount of overlap are chosen based on the specific application and desired resolution.
  3. PPV Calculation:
    For each window, the PPV is calculated using the formula mentioned above. This provides a series of PPV values corresponding to different time intervals.
  4. Analysis:
    The series of PPV values are analyzed to identify any periods where the vibrations exceed the acceptable thresholds. This helps in pinpointing specific events or activities that cause excessive vibrations.

Practical Applications

  1. Construction Sites:
    During construction activities, heavy machinery and demolition can generate significant vibrations. Monitoring PPV ensures that these vibrations do not adversely affect nearby buildings or the comfort of residents.
  2. Transportation Networks:
    Railways and highways are common sources of vibrations. By adhering to the UNI 9916 standard, transportation authorities can minimize the impact of these vibrations on adjacent properties and communities.
  3. Industrial Operations:
    Factories and plants often have equipment that generates continuous vibrations. Regular monitoring of PPV helps maintain a comfortable and safe environment for workers.

QuakeLogic’s Role in Vibration Monitoring

QuakeLogic provides advanced dataloggers, seismographs, and accelerographs equipped with built-in functions to compute and plot PPV values against frequencies, adhering to the UNI 9916 standard. These tools offer several advantages:

  1. Integrated GUI:
    QuakeLogic’s devices come with a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) that allows for real-time monitoring and analysis of vibration data. The GUI can display PPV values across different frequencies, enabling quick assessment and decision-making.
  2. Automated Data Processing:
    The built-in software automatically processes the collected data, applying the moving window technique to compute PPV values. This automation ensures accuracy and consistency in the measurements.
  3. Visualization and Reporting:
    The devices can generate detailed plots showing PPV values against frequencies. These visualizations help in understanding the frequency components of the vibrations and their potential impact on human comfort and structural integrity.
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Conclusion

The UNI 9916 standard, “Criteria for the Measurement of Vibrations and the Assessment of Their Effects on Buildings,” is an essential tool for managing the effects of vibrations on structures and human comfort. By focusing on Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), the standard provides a clear and measurable way to evaluate and mitigate the impact of vibrations. Whether in construction, transportation, or industrial settings, adhering to this standard ensures that both buildings and their occupants are protected from the potentially harmful effects of excessive vibrations.

Understanding and implementing the UNI 9916 standard is crucial for engineers, facility managers, and anyone involved in operations where vibrations are a concern. QuakeLogic’s advanced vibration monitoring tools further enhance the ability to comply with this standard, providing accurate measurements, real-time analysis, and comprehensive reporting. By prioritizing human comfort and structural integrity, we can create safer and more pleasant environments for everyone.

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

  • UNI 9916 is issued by the Italian National Unification Body (UNI) and applies to construction, transportation and industrial vibration.
  • PPV is the maximum absolute particle velocity in a time window, PPV = max(|v(t)|), expressed in mm/s or in/s.
  • A moving-window method splits continuous data into overlapping segments and computes PPV per segment to pinpoint exceedance events.
  • Compliance involves set thresholds, continuous monitoring, mitigation when exceeded and regular PPV reporting.
  • QuakeLogic dataloggers, seismographs and accelerographs compute and plot PPV against frequency per UNI 9916 in a built-in GUI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UNI 9916 standard?

The UNI 9916 standard, formally 'Criteria for the Measurement of Vibrations and the Assessment of Their Effects on Buildings', is published by the Italian National Unification Body. It defines how to measure and evaluate vibrations in buildings so they stay within acceptable limits for both structural integrity and occupant comfort, and it is used in construction, transportation and industrial settings.

How is peak particle velocity (PPV) calculated?

Peak particle velocity is calculated as PPV = max(|v(t)|), the maximum absolute value of particle velocity over a chosen time period. Velocity v(t) is measured with sensors mounted on the structure or in the ground, and the PPV is extracted from that record. It is expressed in millimeters per second or inches per second and correlates with both structural damage potential and human discomfort.

Why does UNI 9916 use a moving window for PPV?

UNI 9916 practice analyzes vibration with a moving window: the continuous data stream is divided into overlapping segments, PPV is computed for each segment, and the resulting series is checked against thresholds. This localizes exactly when vibrations exceeded limits, so specific activities such as a demolition event or train pass can be identified and mitigated rather than being lost in a single overall maximum.

How does PPV relate to human comfort?

Vibrations above certain levels cause annoyance, stress and even health effects, so UNI 9916 sets PPV thresholds based on research into how the human body responds to different vibration frequencies and intensities. Continuous PPV monitoring near construction sites, railways or factories verifies levels stay acceptable, triggers mitigation such as changed procedures or damping systems, and supports compliance reporting.

Which instruments compute PPV according to UNI 9916?

QuakeLogic dataloggers, seismographs and accelerographs include built-in functions that compute PPV with the moving-window technique and plot PPV against frequency in accordance with UNI 9916. Their graphical interface shows results in real time for quick assessment, and the devices generate the plots and reports needed to document compliance.

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.

Using Geophones in Structural Health and Vibration Monitoring

Geophone used for structural health and vibration monitoring

In short: Geophones in structural health monitoring measure ground and structure velocity, which makes them more sensitive than accelerometers to low-amplitude, low-frequency vibration. Accelerometers cover a wider frequency range, but geophones excel at microseismic events, foundation and soil-structure analysis, bridge dynamic load tests, construction and blast monitoring, pipeline and offshore structure monitoring, and octave analysis of human comfort. Their rugged build suits long-term outdoor deployment.

Geophones are essential instruments in vibration monitoring and structural health monitoring (SHM) due to their ability to measure vibrations and seismic activity with high sensitivity. Unlike accelerometers, which measure acceleration, geophones specifically measure velocity, making them particularly effective in detecting low-amplitude and low-frequency vibrations.

Advantages of Geophones

Sensitivity to Low Frequencies: Geophones excel in detecting low-amplitude and low-frequency vibrations, which is crucial for seismic monitoring and ground motion analysis.

Ruggedness and Durability: These devices are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliable long-term monitoring.

Comparison with Accelerometers

Measurement Parameter: Geophones measure velocity, whereas accelerometers measure acceleration. This fundamental difference makes geophones more suitable for certain types of seismic, structural, and vibration monitoring.

Frequency Range: While accelerometers cover a broader frequency range, geophones are more sensitive to low-amplitude and low-frequencies.

Use Cases for Geophones

1. Vibration Monitoring

  • Buildings and Bridges: Geophones can detect vibrations and oscillations in structures to assess their integrity and identify potential issues such as cracks or material fatigue.
  • Dams and Tunnels: Monitoring vibrations in these structures helps ensure they are safe and can alert to potential issues before they become critical.

2. Seismic Activity Detection

  • Earthquake Response: Geophones can measure ground motion during seismic events, providing data that helps assess the impact on buildings and infrastructure.
  • Microseismic Monitoring: These devices are used to detect small, often imperceptible seismic events that could indicate the beginning of larger, more dangerous shifts in the structure.

3. Foundation Analysis

  • Soil-Structure Interaction: Geophones help analyze how vibrations travel through the ground and affect the structure’s foundation, providing insights into soil stability and the potential need for reinforcement.

4. Dynamic Load Testing

  • Bridge Load Testing: Geophones are used to measure the response of bridges to dynamic loads, such as those from vehicles, helping engineers assess load capacity and structural health.

5. Construction Monitoring

  • Construction Sites: Monitoring vibrations caused by construction activities helps ensure that nearby structures are not adversely affected by ground movements.

6. Operational Monitoring

  • Machinery and Equipment: In industrial settings, geophones monitor the vibrations of heavy machinery to detect imbalances or malfunctions that could lead to structural damage.

7. Historical Structures

  • Preservation Efforts: For historical buildings and monuments, geophones help monitor vibrations that could cause wear and tear, ensuring these structures remain intact for future generations.

8. Pipeline Monitoring

  • Buried Infrastructure: Geophones can detect vibrations along pipelines, helping to identify leaks or other issues that could compromise the pipeline’s integrity.

9. Health Monitoring of Offshore Structures

  • Oil Platforms and Wind Turbines: Geophones monitor vibrations and movements in offshore structures, providing data crucial for maintenance and safety in challenging environments.

10. Blast Monitoring

  • Explosive Activities: Geophones are often used for blast monitoring to measure the impact of explosions and ensure safety regulations are met. They help in assessing the vibration levels caused by blasts and their potential effects on nearby structures.

11. Human Comfort to Vibrations

  • Octave Analysis: Geophones play a crucial role in octave analysis for assessing human comfort in relation to vibrations. This analysis helps determine if vibration levels are within acceptable limits for human occupancy, particularly in residential and office buildings.

In each of these use cases, geophones provide critical data that help engineers and maintenance teams make informed decisions to ensure the safety and longevity of structures.

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

  • Geophones measure velocity; accelerometers measure acceleration. That is the core difference between the two sensors.
  • Geophones are most sensitive to low-amplitude, low-frequency vibration; accelerometers cover a broader frequency range.
  • Use cases include bridges, dams, tunnels, foundations, construction sites, machinery, historic buildings, pipelines, offshore platforms and blasts.
  • Octave analysis with geophones checks whether vibration levels meet human-comfort limits in residential and office buildings.
  • Rugged construction makes geophones suitable for long-term monitoring in harsh environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a geophone and an accelerometer?

A geophone measures velocity of motion, while an accelerometer measures acceleration. That difference drives their strengths: geophones are more sensitive to low-amplitude, low-frequency vibration, which suits seismic monitoring, ground-motion analysis and structural vibration surveys, whereas accelerometers cover a broader frequency range and capture rapid, strong shaking. In practice both are used in structural health monitoring, with geophones favored where small, slow motions must be resolved.

Why are geophones good for low-frequency vibration monitoring?

Geophones output a signal proportional to velocity, and velocity amplitudes of low-frequency motion remain comparatively large while the corresponding accelerations become very small. That makes geophones effective at detecting faint, slow vibrations in buildings, bridges, dams and tunnels, and at picking up microseismic events that an accelerometer might bury in its noise floor. Their rugged construction also lets them run for years in harsh field environments.

Can geophones be used for bridge load testing?

Yes. In dynamic load testing, geophones mounted on a bridge measure its velocity response to moving vehicles or controlled loads. Engineers use the recorded vibration to identify natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes, compare them with design values and assess load capacity and structural health. The same sensors can stay in place afterwards for continuous monitoring, flagging changes in response that may indicate cracking or material fatigue.

How are geophones used in blast monitoring?

Blast monitoring places geophones near quarries, mines, demolition or construction blasting to record the ground vibration each explosion produces. The measured peak velocities are compared with regulatory limits for nearby structures and with human-comfort thresholds, giving documented evidence that the blasting complied with safety rules. The data also help operators adjust charge weights and timing so that vibration levels at neighboring buildings stay within acceptable limits.

What is octave analysis for human comfort vibration?

Octave analysis splits a vibration record into frequency bands, each one octave wide, and reports the velocity level in each band. Because people perceive vibration differently at different frequencies, comparing these band levels with comfort criteria shows whether vibration in a residential or office building is acceptable for occupants. Geophones are well suited to this because the relevant frequencies are low and the amplitudes are small.

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.