Seismic Tower Competition, UOG Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Student Chapter

Seismic Tower Competition, UOG Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Student Chapter

Seismic Tower Competition, UOG Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Student Chapter


6/27/2024
Group photo from the Seismic Tower Competition
Group photo from the Seismic Tower Competition
Presentation on seismic-resistant design during the Seismic Tower Competition
Presentation on seismic-resistant design during the Seismic Tower Competition
Students and instructors discuss designs at the Seismic Tower Competition
 

The Annual UOG SAME Seismic Tower Competition, held last April 5, 2024, was a pivotal event that brought together students from various academic disciplines at the University of Guam. Participants formed teams across different majors, including the School of Engineering, School of Business and Public Administration, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, to construct model towers using balsa wood while adhering to specific guidelines and regulations. Motivated by the opportunity to win cash prizes and showcase their engineering skills, students approached the challenge with enthusiasm and creativity.

Each team meticulously designed and built their towers, carefully considering the structural integrity and stability of their models, especially under seismic conditions simulated by an earthquake simulator. This practical experience allowed students to observe firsthand how their design decisions influenced the performance of their towers during earthquakes. The event also featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Ernesto Guades, an expert in structural dynamics, who provided valuable insights into real-world applications of earthquake engineering principles.

During the testing phase under seismic conditions, students could examine application examples presented by Dr. Guades, focusing particularly on the effect of the ratio of each tower's height to the intensity of the seismic conditions. The competition promoted camaraderie and teamwork, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills among participants. It fostered a friendly yet competitive environment, strengthening the engineering community at the University of Guam and inspiring students to apply their knowledge to realworld challenges for a sustainable future.