BUFFALO, N.Y. — Researchers at the University at Buffalo are looking at ways to improve the current residential building code.
Engineers on Thursday tested a one-story wood and brick structure, using their earthquake simulation laboratory. The model was built using current building standards, along with proposed changes to the code.
Researchers are testing how current standards stand up during earthquakes, and collecting data using 140 sensors.
Thursday's tests could lead to changes in the way we build residential buildings nationwide.
"We're hoping to be able to rationalize the building code for other residential buildings," Andreas Stavridis, associate professor of structural engineering, told 2 On Your Side. "Most residential buildings in the country have wood frames and some sort of veneer, so that's what we're simulating here with this experiment."
The next step for researchers is to use the data to create computer models for further testing over the next 12 months.