Miami Earthquake Simulator
By: Cole Heath
Updated: August 23, 2010
Miami, OK-- Tests will use beams placed in the ground to see how quakes affect the soft clay, which is normally used as foundation for bridges.
Experiments will use a giant piston to rattle the pylons to see how the ground behaves during the event.
The study is not because of any earthquake threats in Oklahoma, but due to the soft clay in Miami.
It's similar to what's found in northern California.
"The big one isn't going to happen in Miami, Oklahoma and it's not going to happen in this region, we do have a fault line next to us in Missouri, but this study is going to help those on the west coast," Mayor Brent Brassfield said.
The experiment is scheduled for mid-September.
City Officials say the study will have no affect on residents.
