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Background
The Wind and Seismic Effects Panel promotes exchanges of technology for the prevention of damage caused by strong winds,
earthquakes, storm surge, and tsunamis. Through the panel, U.S. and Japanese researchers share seismic and high wind
measurement records as well as technical data and information on design and construction of civil engineering lifelines, buildings,
and waterfront structures.
Types of Exchanges
Research exchanges have advanced technology regarding the effects of seismic forces on steel, concrete, and masonry
structures; liquefaction risk analysis; modeling of water seepage in dam foundations; and comparative analysis of seismic design
of U.S. and Japanese bridges.
Accomplishments
The panel has exchanged more than 200 guest researchers and contributed to improved structural standards and buildings codes.
Panel scientists annually visit more than 12 major public works construction projects to view innovative civil engineering techniques. Researchers also visit research laboratories to observe unique test and measurement capabilities. Such visits enhance research, design, and construction procedures used by both Japan and the United States.
Teams working under panel auspices have performed postdisaster surveys to improve constructed facilities.
Benefits
Panel activities have improved building and bridge standards and codes, and aided structure design and construction in Japan
and the United States. In addition, panel members have created and exchanged digitized earthquake records; shared
earthquake engineering information and strong motion measurement techniques with seismically active countries; produced
database systems for improved prediction of soil liquefaction; and verified mathematical models of storm surge and tsunami
warning systems.
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