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Faculty and Student
Teams Program
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Project Descriptions
Lawrence
Berkeley National Laboratory
Nondestructive Evaluation and Hazard Mitigation Group
Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at
institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering,
mathematics and technology to work on development of a sensor network
for seismic monitoring of buildings to allow assessment of damage following
an earthquake, and to provide input to active vibration dampening systems.
Project Description
The goal of this project is to develop a network of sensors for seismic
monitoring in buildings that will provide data that can be used to identify
damaged structures following an earthquake, and to provide input to active
and semi-active vibration dampening systems to make buildings more earthquake
resistant. Recent advances in sensor technology have allowed development
of inexpensive wireless sensor networks that are extremely well suited to
seismic monitoring in buildings. Because these sensors are wireless, small,
and inexpensive, buildings can be quickly retrofitted with many sensors,
allowing the collection of more seismic data than previously practical.
Current California law requires two accelerometers to be installed in new
buildings taller than five stories. However, it is now practical to install
tens or even hundreds of sensors in a single building, allowing more complete
and accurate models of building vibration to be developed. Such models can
be used to develop active, real-time vibration dampening systems to improve
the response of buildings to earthquakes. The output from these sensors
can also be used to map damage and help determine structural integrity following
an earthquake. The goal of the project is to install, test, and acquire
data from a sensor network in a building. An important component of the
project is to evaluate the data, and develop the software and data analysis
tools necessary to synthesize the seismic measurements and display the information
in a useful way.
Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project
Applicants and their students will receive support under the Department
of Energy Faculty and Student Team (FaST) program to work collaboratively
with a research group at Berkeley Lab for 10 weeks during the summer of
2008. Faculty and students
team members will be assigned to the same research group and typically
faculty participants will provide mentorship and/or advising support to
the undergraduate student team members while at the Lab.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Berkeley Lab investigators
offering FaST opportunities during the application process.
Following the summer appointment, it is anticipated that the
faculty participants will establish a ongoing collaborative relationship
with Berkeley Lab investigators and assist in recruiting undergraduate
students from their campus for DOE internship programs.
Qualifications of Ideal Candidate
| Faculty: |
Ph.D. in Mechanical, Structural, or Civil engineering, or a related
field. Proven experimental and prototype development abilities. Established
record of publication in field is preferred. Works well in a collaborative
environment with students and other researchers. Currently teaches
and collaborates with students in his/her field. Willing to work at
LBNL for an extended period (2-3 summer months, or longer). |
| Student: |
Working towards a BS in Mechanical, Structural, or Civil Engineering,
with strong interest in experimental research. Must work well in a
highly collaborative research environment with faculty, other students,
and researchers. Willing to work at LBNL for an extended period. |
Support
and Financial Commitments
See Financial
Information.
For More Information Contact:
Laurel
Egenberger
Manager
College
& University Programs
Lawrence
Berkeley
National Laboratory
E-mail: LLEgenberger@lbl.gov
Phone: 510-486-5190 |
Deb Hopkins
Group Leader
NDE/Hazard Mitigation
E-mail: DLHopkins@lbl.gov
Phone: 510-486-4922 |
http://csee.lbl.gov/
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