Earthquake-Proof Structure Project

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In year 9 science we were tasked with creating a structure out of pasta and blue-tac that would withstand a hypothetical earthquake. The project required us to research, design, build, test and modify our structure so that it would withstand S waves and P waves.

The first step of the project was to research. We found that the best way to build was with a triangular shape as this is one of the strongest shapes. We also found that if we had cross-bracing then it would stop bending in the main structure.

Our detailed plan for our building

Our final design was very different from our original idea as it was stronger and more efficient on materials. The building process was quite difficult as it required all hands-on. There were many challenges such as trying to build without overspending. Another challenge we faced was pasta snapping. This meant we had to build slower and with caution about every piece on the model. Our final design was a triangular base with triangular sides going to the 60 cm minimum limit. The base was also larger than the top as this made it more stable. We also used double or triple supports on the weaker pieces to make them stronger and reduce bending from the pieces.

Our final build with height measurement

The final step was testing. During this part of the process, we put our design on a shake table and tested it with S waves and P waves. Our design worked well with S waves but struggled with P waves. Our model broke during and we had to rebuild it with modifications. Our modification was we put double supports on the structure as this reduced bending.

Testing our design during building 1

This project is connected to the real world as major cities face earthquakes often or are at risk of facing a major earthquake. Buildings in risk areas have to build earthquake-proof otherwise the city puts more people at risk of injury or death. In poorer countries such as Nepal, Major earthquakes such as the April 2015 Earthquake can cause a catastrophe if buildings aren’t earthquake-proof. Earthquake-proof buildings reduce cleanup and rubble as well.

Camp Reflection

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One of the key events of the year was year 9 camp. For this camp we went to Kalbarri for 5 nights and did many activities such as hiking, abseiling, rock climbing, and cooking. I enjoyed this camp but I found some elements were challenging and not enjoyable. I had some good moments with my friends but also had to deal with some challenges.

The first part of the Camp was the bus ride. The bus ride took around 6-7 hours. I sat at the back of the bus with my friends on the way down and we played games and talked. We made 2 stops on the way up to Kalbarri stopping at Jurien Bay and a petrol station past Geraldton. We made it to Kalbarri late In the afternoon. When we arrived we set up our tents and prepared our hiking packs for the week. We then made dinner and got ready for bed.

For the rest of the week we participated in many different activities. We went to multiple places around Kalbarri such as the coastal cliffs, the gorges and natures window. My favourite activity throughout the camp was abseiling into the gorge and rock climbing out. I enjoyed most of the ctivities throughout the camp.

Each night we had to cook food in groups. My group was efficient with cooking and cleaning which made it much more enjoyable. Some of the food on camp was average but most of it was decent. We cooked on trangias every night and cooked food such as pasta, stir fry and tortillias. My favourite dish was the macaroni and cheese. We also had desert every night. My favourite desert was cookies and cream.

Overall I enojoyed camp but there were some challenges such as communicating with some of the people in my group.