Date: 3–4 October 2024
Research supported by the Erasmus+ KA220-HED project SUDEM – Sustainable Disaster and Emergency Management Processes Digitization was presented at the Annual University Scientific Conference 2024, hosted by the Vasil Levski National Military University in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, on 3–4 October 2024.
The conference paper entitled “Platform for Simulating Seismic Oscillations” introduced an innovative, patent-protected training platform designed to simulate realistic earthquake vibrations for practical disaster preparedness education. The proposed system reproduces real seismic oscillations with configurable frequencies, amplitudes, and phases, allowing trainees to experience realistic earthquake conditions and develop appropriate behavioural responses during emergency situations.
Unlike conventional earthquake simulators, which typically generate simplified vibration patterns, the proposed platform is capable of reproducing authentic seismic movements recorded during real earthquakes. The system employs a computer-controlled hydraulic platform that enables practical training for different groups of users, including school pupils, university students, emergency responders, and the general public.
The research highlights the importance of combining theoretical knowledge with realistic practical exercises to improve preparedness for natural disasters. By enabling repeatable simulations of earthquakes with different magnitudes and characteristics, the platform supports more effective education, strengthens public awareness, and contributes to reducing casualties during future seismic events.
The authors acknowledge that the research was carried out within the Erasmus+ KA220-HED project SUDEM (Project No. 2023-1-BG01-KA220-HED-000159479) and the Bulgarian National Research Programme “Security and Defence”.
The paper was authored by Garo Mardirossian, Boyko Ranguelov, Georgi Georgiev, and Yulia Krumova, representing leading Bulgarian research institutions working in the fields of disaster preparedness, seismic engineering, and emergency management.
Participation in the Annual University Scientific Conference 2024 contributed to the dissemination of SUDEM research results and demonstrated how innovative digital technologies and realistic simulation platforms can enhance disaster education, emergency preparedness, and resilience.
Publication
Mardirossian G., Ranguelov B., Georgiev G., Krumova Y. Platform for Simulating Seismic Oscillations. Proceedings of the Annual University Scientific Conference 2024, Vasil Levski National Military University, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria, 3–4 October 2024.
