ISU gets ready to debut new earthquake laboratory
Idaho State University announced they will be opening an earthquake structural laboratory in October.
According to Dr. Mustafa Mashal, a professor at ISU, Southeastern Idaho tends to see more earthquakes than other areas in Idaho.
“Southeast Idaho is the most active area in the state of Idaho. It is pronounced, it is in the building codes. And you will see it in areas like Montpelier or Soda Springs,” commented Dr.Mashal.
The new laboratory will help professors and students create earthquake-resistant buildings and bridges. Students will also gain hands-on experience related to earthquake engineering at the lab and learn about everything from design plans to the economic consequences when a structure cannot withstand an earthquake.
“So not only are we now targeting the life safety, which is the primary thing for us, but at the same time, the wealth of people. I do not think an owner can afford to have his or her building demolished after a quake because it is just not repairable,” said Dr. Mashal.
Dr. Mashal said the new lab will be comparable to a renowned universities lab in the same discipline. And said he hopes the strides they make in the laboratory will not only benefit Idaho but the rest of the world as well.
“I would like to promote this technology that should not only be limited to Idaho but we should use it elsewhere,” Dr. Mashal said.
The grand opening for the structural laboratory will be held on Oct. 12th from 4-5:30 p.m. If you are interested in participating, you are asked to RSVP by Oct. 4th to Dr. Mashal at mashmust@isu.edu.
