QBX-SMA monitoring device: An affordable all-Filipino seismic device that ‘neglected buildings’ need

Many old buildings, especially government offices, public schools, and hospitals, do not always have resources to purchase instruments for structural health monitoring, let alone quick post-earthquake evaluations crucial for rapid recovery.  This situation opened doors for the development of an affordable, efficient, and an all-Filipino designed and manufactured seismic device -- the QBX-SMA Strong Motion Accelerograph.

Traditionally, seismographs and accelerographs were used.  Seismographs record the strength of an earthquake, while accelerographs measure ground motion acceleration. These instruments played a critical role in assessing seismic hazards, providing detailed information about the intensity and duration of ground shaking, and determining the potential risks to structures and populations in an affected area.  However, this was the past. 

Today, there’s the QBX-SMA Strong Motion Accelerograph which does the same tasks, plus more.  QBX-SMA is a seismic recorder designed for a broader range of applications, including structural health monitoring, seismic notification, post-earthquake decision-making, and other industrial or geophysical applications for vibration monitoring, geotechnical, and geophysical surveys.

The QBX-SMA Project provides accessible and affordable seismic instruments that enable building managers to make informed decisions and enhance safety protocols for occupants.  During seismic events, the system offers real-time intensity reports through an intuitive graphical interface, facilitating immediate evacuation if necessary,” said Ryan Sabio, CEO, co-founder, and Technology Manager of Tekton GeoMetrix Inc., the startup that developed the QBX-SMA project.

The QBX-SMA project was made possible through the Department of Science and Technology-Technology Application and Promotion Institute, (DOST-TAPI) which aimed to develop a cost-effective, high-quality seismic monitoring device for buildings in the Philippines. 

QBX-SMA instruments are to be bolted and installed at the center of mass of buildings to detect seismic movement or vibration, and also the building’s response during earthquakes.  They are lightweight, easy to install, and protected by an IP67 enclosure with a user-friendly graphic Android touch interface.

The collected seismic data provides valuable baseline information for future analysis and structural rehabilitation efforts. Compliance with the Department of Public Works and Highways- Earthquake Recording Instrumentation (DPWH-ERI) building codes underscores the project's commitment to ensuring structural health and safety in adhering to government regulations.  Through these initiatives, the QBX-SMA Project aims to mitigate the risk of loss and damage to life and property during earthquakes, promoting resilience and safety in vulnerable buildings.

To further validate QBX-SMA, Sabio’s team took it to the GeoVision Seismic Laboratory Test Facility in Los Angeles in 2019.  The experts from Merril from Earthquake Safety Systems, Inc., evaluated the QBX-SMA to see how well it records earthquake data and the results were very positive: the QBX-SMA accurately recorded the shaking during earthquakes and precisely tracked the timing of events.

The team also incorporated the experts’ suggested improvements that led to the development of QBX - Geobit SMA version 3.0, which is now even more reliable and effective.  Rigorous testing and continuous improvement process ensures that the product meets the highest standards for earthquake monitoring.

Sabio’s startup has successfully installed the QBX-SMA in government and private buildings, demonstrating its commitment to real-world application.
Among the startup’s clients is the University of the Philippines- Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), where they recently achieved a significant milestone by reinstalling and replacing the old QBX-SMA units in PGH-Main Building and the Jose Rizal Building 2. The UP-PGH has engaged in a five-year preventive maintenance program with the startup and has acknowledged the efforts of the DOST in donating the instruments. 

During Sabio and his team’s journey into the technology development and adoption process, they encountered several challenges, including initial design flaws that required multiple iterations to correct.  To address this, they hired a hardware engineer consultant to resolve these design flaws. 

Then, there are the resource limitations, particularly funding, which also posed a challenge, but they managed by saving resources and increasing R&D spending to cover deployment costs and meet client expectations.  Market acceptance was another hurdle, as convincing users to adopt a new technology can be difficult.  But they were able to survive this with the help of DOST.  They engaged with government building operators and, through tripartite agreements, bypassed the bidding process.  To maintain high quality during mass production, they partnered with a manufacturer to co-produce the QBX-SMA, ensuring that high standards were upheld.

Aside from his professors and mentors, Sabio derived inspiration from his co-founder, Dr. Emmanuel G. Ramos, a distinguished geophysicist and seismologist whose unwavering dedication to the development of locally-made seismic instruments for energy exploration and seismic observation was influential.  Another source of inspiration was Professor Roger Posadas, Ph.D., known as the father of Technology Management in the Philippines.  Posadas’ teachings on how the Philippines can catch up and even surpass neighboring countries in technology has fueled Sabio’s continuous drive for innovation and excellence in everything.

Sabio, who obtained his comprehensive training in seismic instrumentation, analysis, and hardware development in Geoazur, France, said, “What motivates me to continue innovating is my belief that, even though it may seem too late for our nation to industrialize and catch up technologically with other countries, a path forward still exists through technological transformation.”

He added that by adopting new technologies and learning from existing ones, the Philippines can leapfrog traditional stages of development. This approach allows the country to bypass old methods and move directly to cutting-edge innovations or explore entirely new paths that offer unique benefits and opportunities. 

The Tekton GeoMetrix Inc. welcomes collaborations, partnerships, investments, and licensing opportunities. Explore the future of QBX-SMA Strong Motion Accelerograph with Tekton GeoMetrix Inc. Contact Rodolfo Alfonso R. Sabio at sabio.ryan.ca@gmail.com.