Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering 2002

Each summer the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois host the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) – Exploring Your Options program. WYSE is a weeklong residential program that introduces high school sophomores and juniors to the field of engineering. The purpose of WYSE is to foster excellence in mathematics and sciences among the youth of the United States and the world. The immediate goal is to attract a greater number of talented and diverse students to careers in engineering and the sciences. 150 students from around the country participated in the 2002 WYSE program.

The MAE Center hosted the WYSE students with a “Performance of Building Structures During an Earthquake” activity. The recent earthquakes in Peru, Nisqually, Washington, El Salvador, and India have underscored the tremendous importance of understanding the way in which structures respond during such dynamic events. One of the main tasks of earthquake engineers is to develop the next generation of earthquake-resistant structures so as to reduce human and financial loss. To better understand how buildings respond to severe earthquakes, students were introduced to principals in structural dynamics.

Students explored the effects of different variables on structures performance during a simulated earthquake and learned about methods for strengthening buildings. Small companies were formed to design and construct buildings using different materials to simulate masonry, wood, and steel framed construction. Each student in the company was assigned a job (architect, engineer, and builder), assuming the responsibilities involved with that role. Each company explained their design philosophy, construction difficulties, and any job conflicts that may have arisen. The model structures were then tested using a tabletop shake table to assess performance during a simulated earthquake.