Seismic Testing

Element is a leading provider of seismic testing, qualification and certification services, providing manufacturers with the specialist design, development, and qualification support required for products destined for seismically active countries and nuclear applications. 

When seismic or natural disasters strike, you must be certain that your safety–critical electrical, electromechanical, and mechanical equipment systems react in a safe and controlled manner.

Earthquake simulation and seismic vibration testing

Our triaxial shaker table and wide range of vibration and shock testing equipment enable us to replicate the extreme seismic conditions which a product may be subjected to during an earthquake.

Testing services include:

Test plan and strategy creation

• Fixture design
• Exploratory Testing
• Single Axis Testing
• Biaxial Testing
• Triaxial Earthquake Testing
• Qualification Documentation

We also perform testing to bespoke or custom criteria. Please contact our seismic experts with your specific requirements.

Seismic testing and simulation

Seismic simulation testing ensures that critical equipment can operate accurately and safely during and after a seismic event. Our testing services assess performance of non-structural systems after large events such as earthquakes, or routine vibration conditions such as nearby railroads, airports, or power plants.

Equipment capabilities include:

• Test Chamber Dimensions: 48" x 48" chambers
• Speed Range: Up to 40 in/sec velocity
• Capacity: 500 Hz
• Environment: 10.5" displacement

Equipment Qualification

Element is a provider of Equipment Qualification Services for the seismic testing of equipment intended for Nuclear New Builds, Refurbishment and Decommissioning. 

FEA and design qualification for seismic environments

Working in close partnership with product development and design, our Advisory services and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) services reduce the risk of product failure by applying our specialist understanding of the environment in which the product will operate. 

Incorporating a best practice approach to seismic design early into a product’s design process enables the product’s performance to be suitably improved to withstand the potential shaking and vibration of an earthquake or any other cause of movement or vibration such as nuclear power plants, airports or railways.

Element’s pre-qualification testing services increase the likelihood that a product will pass the testing process on the first attempt, removing the potential for future redesign work and the associated costs and delays.

Seismic shear and seismic tension testing of anchors

Element is also accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) to conduct the specialized testing of concrete anchors including moving crack and seismic testing, as well as the Method A embrittlement test, required for two acceptance criteria, AC193 and AC308.

Why choose Element?

Element helps manufacturers to identify and understand the implications of environmental testing and compliance. Our seismic testing and certification services ensure a product will continue to perform without loss of function under the most extreme vibration conditions and are therefore essential for nuclear equipment manufacturers of safety-critical systems and components.