SEISMIC TESTING OF SELECTED SOILS IN SPOKANE COUNTY

A shake table was constructed to reproduce seismic activity at variable frequencies. This is important for testing the seismic response of local soils and sediments, as such several local faults have been identified. Furthermore, these faults may be active and a direct source for seismic activity in the region. Additional studies of local soils will assess liquefaction and slope failure potential due to seismic shaking and test the plausible seismic origin of mima mounds. To construct this table simple shop tools were used in collaboration with mechanical engineering undergraduates and has resulted in the specific manufacturing of a drive wheel and drive arm to improve function and reliability of motion in the shaking platform. A mounted DC motor was used to replace the drill used in the original construction to allow for more precise applications of force and functional variability. Lastly several adaptations to the table were made to house soil to undergo testing. The ultimate goal of the project is to quantify the way local soils react to differing seismic frequencies.