PLEASANTON, CALIF — Simpson Strong-Tie participated in an unprecedented research event to highlight the importance of earthquake-resistant construction. Using a full-scale, seven-story wood-framed condominium tower the team simulated a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in one of the World's largest earthquake shake table test in Japan.

The following video highlights the testing process.

The NEESWood Capstone project was developed to test new design methods for multistory, wood-frame buildings during large seismic events, and ultimately improve the construction and safety of wood buildings in the U.S. The project featured a seven-story, 40- by 60-ft. condominium tower with 23 one- and two-bedroom living units and two retail shops on the ground level. The condo building was subjected to simulated earthquake ground motions on Japan's E-Defense (Earth-Defense) shake table.

Project lead Colorado State University and technical collaborator Simpson Strong-Tie used the shake table to recreate a series of earthquakes based on the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake – a 6.7 magnitude quake. The seismic intensity on the final and strongest test on July 14 was increased to 180% of Northridge, roughly a 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Simpson Strong-Tie designed the special steel moment frames on the first floor and provided the 63 Anchor Tiedown Systems and hundreds of connectors to secure the six-story wood structure.

The research team successfully averted major structural damage to the building because it used performance-based design. Unlike traditional building design, performance-based design goes above and beyond the code minimum to increase building performance and prevent significant structural damage. Although this design method adds 5% to 15% to the upfront building cost, as the Capstone project showcased, it can save the structure and avoid millions of dollars in repairs after a major seismic event.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the test. The performance-based design approach has been validated and shows that wood can be a great building material for mid-rise construction in high seismic regions,” said Steve Pryor, S.E., International Director of Building Systems for Simpson Strong-Tie.