An Investigation of Seismicity in Southern Peru to Teach Engineering Design - Mechanical, Aerospace & Structural Engineering

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Mechanical, Aerospace & Structural Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

An Investigation of Seismicity in Southern Peru to Teach Engineering Design

By Jeffrey Mitchell
Graduate Student and STEM Fellow
Washington University, MASE Department

Thu, Oct 1, 2009 2:30 PM

Location: Lopata Hall Room 101

Abstract:

In this seminar I will discuss the opportunity I had to live in Peru for a month with two Saint Louis area teachers as a part of a National Science Foundation grant. During my time in Peru I was able to investigate and observe earthquake damage, response and prevention methods. Much of this investigation was aided by a shared experience with the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería (UNI) or National University of Engineering which is one of the leaders in earthquake research and investigation in Peru. The main portion of the investigation was conducted in the coastal region of southern Peru where an earthquake in 2007 had devastated many cities. Damage and response to earthquakes earlier than 2007 and current research at the UNI were also investigated. Highlights of the investigation will be discussed and include surveys of typical damage, interviews with local people, and a full scale building test for seismic retrofit. The investigation methodology was based on observation, documentation and personal experience that led to a compilation of anecdotal data, pictures, videos and written observation.

Collaborating with the two Saint Louis area teachers, I plan to produce an earthquake engineering teaching module for students using my experiences in Peru. Using Peru as a real-life laboratory for earthquake study and response students will view and analyze damage presented in photographs and video. Through a series of investigations students will use engineering design principles to generate possible solutions to a variety of seismic problems which they will evaluate according to cultural and economic factors in Peru. New understandings about engineering, culture and economy will be applied to assess the seismic vulnerability of structures in their hometowns. The idea of global awareness will be stressed and will not only help the students to learn about earthquakes but will also allow them to assess their own hometown’s vulnerability in a more meaningful way. Learning about another cultures struggle with common engineering issues will help broaden the perspective of the students as well as the graduate fellows and teachers.

Mechanical, Aerospace & Structural Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis
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