Design and Implementation of a Single-Axis Seismic Simulator for Engineering Education

Pumasupa A.; Urrunaga Y.; Yparraguirre M.; Perea C. · IEEE International Conference on Control and Automation, ICCA (2026) · DOI: 10.1109/icca69928.2026.11618063

Resumen

Experimental validation in structural dynamics is essential for engineering education, particularly in earthquakeprone regions like Peru. However, the high cost of commercial shake tables limits their availability in many university laboratories. This paper presents the design, modeling, and control of a low-cost (approx. 450 USD) single-axis seismic simulator. The system utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller, a DC motor, and a MATLAB-based interface to reproduce customizable vibration profiles. To ensure accurate trajectory tracking of reference seismic signals, a Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) combined with a full-order state observer was implemented. Experimental results demonstrate that the controller effectively manages the system's mechanical inertia, making this low-cost prototype a highly viable and accessible pedagogical tool for structural engineering laboratories in developing regions.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas