When seismic events hit a building, the common layperson sees one of two things: either the building appears fine to the untrained eye or there is obvious damage. However, to those in the building industry, this is not the case. Experts understand that damage from earthquakes is not always obvious. This damage can create structural weaknesses that put building residents and others in danger. The building may collapse during another earthquake, or the damaged section could be so compromised that it eventually gives out. Sensequake can help prevent these issues by creating a building baseline that can be used to check the building’s integrity after a seismic event.

What Is a Building Baseline?

The building baseline or benchmark is its beginning ambient vibration test results. These results create a standard by which the building can be tested against later. This baseline shows the structure’s dynamic properties and can even be used to determine if there are any defects in the building after it is completed.

How Does Sensequake Establish a Building Baseline?

Sensequake uses our patented sensors to create a baseline and to perform health checkups on the building at certain points in its life or after a seismic event. These wireless sensors are battery powered, so we can place them around the building for weeks to monitor vibrations over a period. By placing multiple sensors and collecting data from multiple points, we can create a profile of the building’s dynamic properties. This data can be used to create a geometric model of the building to use as a baseline.

All of this is done quickly and easily. Because the sensors do not require power and are small, they can be placed anywhere. We collect data from and control these sensors from a wireless app, so there is no need to constantly have our team members in the building. This allows us to create a baseline or build a post-event profile while minimizing the disturbance to the building occupants. The ambient vibrations are not harmful to the structure or to the occupants.

How Can Buildings Benefit from a Baseline?

Every building can benefit from having a benchmark baseline set when the building is brand new to create a profile to compare with future profiles. It can be very difficult to tell how much damage is done by a seismic event. Much of this damage is internal or occurs beneath the building. There is simply no way to visually determine the amount of damage done.