Austest Laboratories provides independent seismic testing services to verify how products perform when exposed to simulated earthquake conditions, helping manufacturers demonstrate product resilience and support compliance requirements.
Verify Product Performance Under Simulated Earthquake Conditions
Products installed in earthquake-prone regions must continue operating safely during and after seismic events. Physical testing provides the most reliable way to assess how equipment responds to the complex vibration generated by an earthquake, which cannot be determined with great confidence by modelling alone.
At Austest, we can reproduce realistic earthquake vibration profiles in a controlled laboratory environment. Whether you're developing electrical equipment, mechanical systems or critical infrastructure components, our experienced engineers work with you to identify the appropriate test programme and deliver clear, documented results.
Our Seismic Testing Capabilities
Purpose-Built Equipment
Our custom-made electrodynamic shaker has been modified to deliver increased payload capacity and high-displacement testing for demanding seismic applications.
Specialist Software
We have developed our own in-house software to generate genuinely random vibration profiles that closely replicate earthquake ground motion.
Recognised Standards
We can perform testing to recognised seismic standards, including challenging requirements such as IEEE 344 and AC156.
Experienced Engineers
Our engineers draw on decades of experience delivering complex testing programmes across defence, aerospace and other demanding industries.
What Is Seismic Testing and How Does It Work?
Earthquake vibration testing, also known as seismic testing, assesses how a product performs when exposed to the type of movement created during an earthquake. It's used to verify that equipment can continue to operate safely and maintain its structural integrity after seismic events.
Using specialist vibration equipment, we recreate realistic earthquake ground motion in a controlled laboratory environment. Seismic test profiles are developed in accordance with the relevant standard and applied to the product while its performance is monitored throughout the test.
Our Process
We aim to make the seismic qualification testing process straightforward from the outset. Our team will guide you through each stage and keep you informed throughout your project.
- Tell us about your products, testing requirements and applicable standards.
- We’ll confirm the scope of seismic testing and provide a tailored quotation.
- Testing is carried out in our specialist lab facilities to the agreed standards.
- You'll receive clear, documented test results, with further tests discussed if required.
As an independent, accredited test house, Austest Laboratories operates with complete impartiality. We can explain testing requirements, applicable standards, and test results, but we can't guarantee formal certification or provide recommendations designed to influence test outcomes.
Why Choose Austest for Earthquake Testing?
Independent Testing Laboratory
As an independent test house, we provide impartial seismic vibration testing and clear reporting to recognised Australian and international standards.
Specialist Seismic Capability
Our in-house software and modified vibration equipment have been developed specifically to reproduce demanding earthquake vibration profiles.
Experienced Project Team
You'll have a dedicated point of contact throughout your project, with support from engineers experienced in complex environmental testing.
Comprehensive Environmental Testing
If your product requires additional environmental testing alongside seismic testing, we offer a broad range of accredited laboratory services from a single provider.
FAQs About Seismic Testing
Why is seismic testing done?
Seismic testing, also known as seismic vibration testing or earthquake simulation testing, verifies how a product performs when subjected to earthquake-induced vibration. It helps demonstrate that equipment can continue operating safely and reliably when installed in earthquake-prone environments.
How does seismic testing work?
Seismic testing, or earthquake testing, uses specialist vibration equipment to recreate the movement generated during an earthquake under controlled laboratory conditions. A vibration profile is developed in line with the requirements of the relevant test standard, then applied to the product while its performance and structural integrity are monitored throughout the test.
What products can be seismic tested?
Many different products can be seismic tested, including electrical equipment, mechanical systems, industrial components, and equipment installed on vibration mounts. If you're unsure whether your product is suitable, please contact our team to discuss your application.
How is earthquake vibration simulated?
Specialist electrodynamic vibration equipment reproduces the movement generated during an earthquake. The vibration profile is developed to match the requirements of the relevant test standard and is applied under controlled laboratory conditions.
Is seismic testing required for certification?
Testing requirements vary depending on the product, industry, and destination market. Many manufacturers use seismic testing to demonstrate compliance with customer specifications or recognised standards before products are deployed.
Which seismic testing standards does Austest support?
Austest can carry out seismic testing to recognised military and commercial standards, including IEEE 344 and AC156. If your project requires another standard, we'll review your requirements and advise whether we can support it.
How does Austest simulate real earthquake ground motion?
Many commercially available seismic testing systems generate vibration using wavelet combinations. At Austest, we have developed our own in-house software that produces genuinely random vibration profiles, allowing us to more accurately replicate earthquake ground motion while closely matching the requirements of recognised testing standards.
Why does Austest use its own seismic testing software?
Our in-house software has been developed to generate vibration profiles that more closely represent real earthquake conditions. This enables us to satisfy the requirements of demanding standards, including IEEE 344, which require the frequency and amplitude content of the waveform to remain statistically constant throughout the strong-motion phase of the test.
What types of products can Austest perform seismic testing on?
Our seismic testing capability supports products with natural frequencies as low as 2.4 Hz, allowing us to test nearly all mechanically or electrically powered equipment, as well as products mounted on vibration isolation systems. We can carry out testing to recognised standards such as IEEE 344 and AC156 where applicable.
How much does seismic testing cost?
The cost of seismic vibration testing depends on factors such as product size and weight, the required test standard, test duration, and any additional environmental testing. Please get in touch with your project details and we'll provide a tailored quotation.