Building on a cutting-edge laboratory facility here at Cal State LA previously funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and through the highly competitive NSF Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) program, Dr. Welson Kwan, has been awarded a new NSF grant to study how earthquake shaking affects the stability of sandy soils and the safety of infrastructure. The ERI program supports engineering investigators at nonR1 institutions as they launch impactful research and broaden the engineering research base.
While most design methods focus on horizontal ground shaking, recent earthquakes show vertical shaking can be equally severe. This project investigates how combined vertical and horizontal motions trigger “liquefaction,” where water saturated soil loses strength, leading to ground settlement and structural damage.
Using advanced laboratory equipment, Dr. Kwan and his team will simulate realistic earthquake conditions and generate new data to improve engineering models and design practices. Results will be shared via open-access datasets, benefiting researchers and engineers nationwide. The grant also prioritizes student training, providing Cal State LA researchers with hands-on testing experience, data analysis, and opportunities to present their work at national conferences. This project will advance earthquake resilience, strengthen infrastructure safety, and prepare the next generation of civil engineers.