Design and Implementation of a Honeycomb Damping System for the 2026 EERI Seismic Design Competition
College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Architectural Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 2
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Architectural Engineering
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Peter Laursen, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
The authors of this report were a part of the 2026 Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) chapter at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In July 2026, they will travel to Portland, Oregon with 12 students to compete in the Undergraduate Seismic Design Competition hosted by EERI. The competition required teams to develop a comprehensive structural design proposal that included computer-based modeling and analysis, construction of three physical models, and the preparation of both a technical poster and oral presentation for a proposed high-rise building located in Portland, Oregon. Cal Poly’s “Illahee Tower” was designed with an emphasis on seismic resiliency while incorporating architectural features inspired by Portland’s natural landscape and climate.
This senior project team was responsible for the development, testing, and evaluation of a supplemental damping system incorporated into the structure. The primary objective of these dampers was to enhance the structure’s seismic performance during the two competition ground motions and reduce the overall seismic cost calculated at the competition.
This report serves as a valuable resource for future Cal Poly EERI teams, as limited documentation exists regarding previous damping system development, testing, and implementation methods. The report outlines the complete process used to design and integrate the dampers into the 2026 EERI Seismic Design Competition Structure, including the experimental testing procedures, analytical methods, and calculation approaches used to evaluate and quantify the dampers’ dynamic response.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/arcesp/251
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