Installation methods for ground motion sensors in community-engaged earthquake early warning system

Abstract

This research investigates installation methods for ground motion accelerometers within a community-engaged Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) network, where untrained volunteers install sensors in their homes. Four installation methods were evaluated on plush wool-type carpets using a two-dimensional horizontal axis shake table with sinusoidal waveforms within the expected frequency range of earthquake ground motions and real-world earthquake acceleration data from historical events. The performance of these methods in accurately capturing key characteristics of ground motions was assessed through statistical and frequency analysis relative to a reference accelerometer fixed to the shake table. The initial findings with two-dimensional horizontal shake table testing indicate that both the loosely placed sensor and the anti-slip sticker method provide effective solutions, with the loosely placed sensor offering optimal accuracy and ease of installation and the anti-slip sticker method providing greater stability. The study highlights the need for future research to explore additional installation methods and floor types using three-dimensional shake tables to enhance broader applicability.