Japan’s Science and Technology Agency is spending £170 million to
create the world’s largest earthquake simulator.
The simulator’s platform, which measures 20 metres by 15 metres, will be
supported by 24 computer-controlled pistons designed to simulate different
tremor types and strengths.
Large-scale models of buildings will be placed on the platform and subjected
to the simulated quakes. The smaller-scale models used by civil engineers rarely
reflect stresses on real buildings. The simulator will be completed by 2004.
