Cornell Seismic Design

About This Business

Cornell Seismic Design (CSD) is a student-led engineering project team based at Cornell University, comprising 28 undergraduate students. The team's primary objective is to research, design, engineer, and construct a 5-ft-tall balsa wood structure to compete in the annual Seismic Design Competition, hosted by the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI). This unique project offers students from various engineering disciplines, including structural design, construction, architecture, and earthquake science, the opportunity to experience the entire process of transforming an abstract idea into a tangible project. Through their work, CSD aims to develop innovative structural solutions to complex design challenges while fostering strong leadership and communication skills among team members. The team's mission is to build a resilient future by equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address real-world structural challenges and contribute to the advancement of seismic design and engineering. By providing a collaborative community where students can learn from each other and grow their skills in engineering, design, and project management, CSD enables its members to engage in hands-on learning experiences and gain practical skills in structural design, analysis, and construction through projects and workshops. With a focus on teamwork and mutual growth, CSD participates in weekly construction shifts where members work together to build their competition model, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. As a testament to their dedication and expertise, CSD competes annually in the Seismic Design Competition, presenting their work and celebrating their achievements together. By combining academic rigor with real-world application, Cornell Seismic Design is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of seismic design and engineering, while empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.