Globalink intern collaborating with UBC prof to develop quake-proof innovation
Tao is helping develop a structural system that will mitigate hazards in industrial buildings — often containing heavy equipment — during an earthquake.
Tao’s first task involves looking at blueprints of industrial buildings, specifically ones that store overhead cranes, to better understand their design and seismic behaviour. This is a significant step because overhead cranes can change the way a building moves and reacts to an earthquake.
“Our main goal is to make sure these industrial buildings, and the people in them, are safe,” says Tao. “The first step is to understand how these cranes are going to behave when there’s an earthquake.”
From there, he will work with researchers on designing a system that will better stabilize the buildings and their cranes during an earthquake. Eventually, the technology will be validated using experimental testing facilities.
Outside of the lab, Tao’s been busy exploring the sights and sounds of Vancouver, including taking in an Ed Sheeran concert and kayaking in nearby Deep Cove.
He’s also considering furthering his education because of his internship. “Before I came to Canada, I didn’t think about pursuing my master’s or PhD. Now that I’m here and working with graduate students, I’ve reconsidered the idea,” says Tao.
Mitacs thanks the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia for their support of the Globalink research internship in this story. Across Canada, the Globalink research internship program also receives support from Alberta Innovates, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, the Government of Prince Edward Island, the Government of Quebec, teh Government of Saskatchewan and Research Manitoba.
In addition, Mitacs is pleased to work with the following international partners to support the Globalink program: Universities Australia; the China Scholarship Council; Campus France; the German Academic Exchange Service; Mexico’s Secretariat of Public Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey, and the National Autonomous University of Mexico; and Tunisia’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Mission Universitaire de Tunisie en Amerique du Nord.
Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca
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