When it comes to earthquake resilience, Cal Poly’s structural engineering professor, Giovanni de Francesco, believes in going beyond theory. Since joining the College of Engineering in 2023, he has embarked on an ambitious project to address California’s earthquake challenges, focusing on timber homes that make up much of the state’s housing. To test these features, de Francesco and his team are using Cal Poly’s seismic shake table to simulate the effects of a magnitude 7 earthquake, studying how wooden buildings hold up and how the state’s most common residential buildings—one- and two-story timber homes—can be safer and more resistant to earthquake damage.

A multidisciplinary team of graduate students, civil engineering undergraduates, and international interns is working test these innovations. From building the structure’s frame to analyzing self-centering wall systems, they aim to discover new solutions to protect homes and reduce long-term economic impacts. The project’s hands-on nature reflects Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

With this initiative, de Francesco hopes to make a lasting impact on earthquake resilience, potentially influencing building practices statewide and beyond. To dive deeper into his work and the journey of the students involved, check out the full article at The College of Engineering website.