When the earth shakes – Earthquake simulator

Our earth sciences exhibition focusTerra features an earthquake simulator. Weighing over three tonnes, the machine can simulate ground movements caused by earthquakes of up to magnitude 8. The simulator is a kind of container room, furnished with tables and other movable objects, and can accommodate up to 10 people at a time. Visitors can safely experience the phenomenon of an ‘earthquake’ first-hand using real recorded earthquake signals.

In 2006, the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) commissioned the development and construction of the simulator with the support of the Fribourg Cantonal Building Insurance and the Foundation for Structural Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering. The earthquake simulation is intended not only to raise awareness that Switzerland is also at risk from earthquakes, but also to demonstrate how to behave correctly during an earthquake. The earthquake simulator will be officially opened with lectures, experiments, guided tours and special activities for children.
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Visits to the earthquake simulator are at your own risk. ETH Zurich accepts no liability. The simulator is not suitable for young children under the age of 5, people with back or neck problems or other medical conditions, or women in the late stages of pregnancy. Children aged between 5 and 11 may only use the simulator when accompanied by an adult.