SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A controlled fire test was conducted Thursday on the 9th floor of a 10-story building at the UC San Diego Large High Performance Outdoor Shake Table to study the impact of earthquake damage on fire severity.
According to researchers at the Jacobs School of Engineering, the test aims to understand how damage from earthquakes, such as to drywall, pipes and electrical lines, can exacerbate fires within buildings. This is part of a broader study on seismic resilience, which considers not only the direct damage from earthquakes but also secondary effects like fires.
Fire personnel from Cal Fire were present at the scene for the experiment to provide support if needed, ensuring safety during the test.
The building, constructed from cold-formed steel, underwent simulated earthquakes several weeks ago to assess the performance of this type of steel at such a height. This previous testing provides context for Thursday’s fire test, as researchers seek to understand the compound effects of earthquake damage and fire.
A live-stream from inside the building can be viewed here.
The results of these tests could inform future building designs and fire response strategies, enhancing the overall resilience of structures against both earthquakes and fires.
KUSI’s Ed Lenderman contributed to this report.
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