Portland State University researchers test out new method to protect buildings from earthquakes
PORTLAND, Ore. (KGW) - Portland State University researchers are testing a brand-new way to protect buildings during earthquakes.
They simulated an earthquake using a massive mobile field shaker known as T-REX.
It was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of microbial induced desaturation. It’s a method using microbes to fortify soil against liquefaction.
Liquefaction is the process where soil loses strength and behaves like a liquid during an earthquake.
The researchers hope to show that using microbes like this can be an effective and lasting solution to reduce earthquake risk in the Northwest.
