1. UB Node Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES)
Department of Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering

2. UB-NEES Project Overview
Dual, rapidly repositionable shake tables capable of testing structures up to 120 feet long
New dynamic actuators and high capacity static actuators for full scale testing capabilities
High capacity, high-performance hydraulic system
“Hybrid” seismic testing (shake table experiments + computer simulation + controlled force system)
Networked tele-experimentation capabilities
Significant expansion of the Structural Engineering and Earthquake Simulation Laboratory (SEESL) in UB’s Ketter Hall

3. EQUIPMENT PURCHASE STATUS FACILITY EXPANSION STATUS
Shake tables, actuators, hydraulic system, and control systems will be purchased from MTS Systems Corp. (Minnesota)
Subcontract for $8.4M
In final stages of negotiating the scope of work and subcontract instrument
Equipment installation scheduled for late 2003
FACILITY EXPANSION STATUS
Increase from 3,000 to 13,000 sq. ft., including expanded strong floor, reaction wall, and trench for the moveable tables
About to complete schematic design phase and move into detailed design phase
Expect to put out for bid in early 2002, and begin construction by mid-2002
Scheduled for completion in late 2003

4. GIGABIT EXPANSION AT UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO

5. REAL TIME HYBRID CONTROL SYSTEM DESIGN
System includes real time controllers of shake tables and actuators synchronized using shared memory via ScramNetTM technology
System includes parallel controller and structure simulator using also shared memory via ScramNetTM
System was tested in controlling Jumbo shaking system at NIED in Japan

6. SI Questions/Concerns
Need flexibility in the forms of hardware/software that can be used (data acquisition, video protocols, visualization tools, etc.).
Use of Linux. For many, this would necessitate learning a new operating system, and could substantially limit the involvement and training of students who do not have Linux proficiency.