San Antonio National High School

San Antonio Tabaco City

S.Y 2023-2024

ARDUINO EARTHQUAKE ALARM AS EARLY

WARNING SYSTEM

Submitted by:

Princess C. Camu

Alexes Arjiel N. Peña

Rhean Jane C. Hubilla

Diana Mae M. Bisco

Researchers

Submitted to:

Mr. Regie Z. Viñas

Research Adviser
ABSTRACT

Today, earthquakes pose a significant threat, causing damage to lives and property. This
research represents a small step toward mitigating these losses by detecting earthquakes and
providing warnings when they strike. The focus of this research is on creating an Arduino-based
earthquake alarm system that can detect seismic activity and deliver early warnings. This
system combines sensors, algorithms, and real-time data analysis. By utilizing sensors that
measure ground vibrations, the system can accurately detect seismic activity. Sophisticated
algorithms analyze the data to identify earthquake events and distinguish them from
background noise. When an earthquake is detected, the system triggers alerts through audible
alarms and visual indicators. Specifically designed for barangays and schools, this system aims
to empower individuals and communities to take immediate action, such as evacuating and
seeking shelter. By offering timely warnings, it seeks to minimize casualties and damage caused
by earthquakes, thereby enhancing the preparedness of these communities for seismic events.

Today, earthquake is a very big problem which causes damage to lives and property. This
research is an small step to save these losses by detecting earthquake and providing warnings
when it strikes. This research focuses on creating Arduino-based earthquake alarm system that
can detect earthquakes and provide early warnings. This system combines sensors, algorithms,
and real-time data analysis. By using sensors that can measure ground vibrations, the system
can accurately detect seismic activity. Sophisticated algorithms analyze the data to identify
earthquake events and distinguish them from background noise. When an earthquake is
detected, the system triggers alerts through audible alarms and visual indicators. This helps
individuals, communities, and authorities take immediate action, such as evacuating and
protecting infrastructure. The goal of this research is to create resilient communities and
improve disaster response. By providing detection and early warnings, the system aims to
minimize casualties and damage caused by earthquakes. It enhances preparedness and
response capabilities, making communities better equipped to handle seismic events. In
conclusion, the development of this advanced earthquake detection system has the potential to
significantly improve safety and resilience in earthquake-prone areas.
INTRODUCTION

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the

Philippines is located in a seismically active region and is prone to earthquakes because it lies
along the Pacific Ring of Fire. These earthquakes are unpredictable natural disasters that can
have devastating consequences, especially in densely populated areas. To mitigate this risk, the
country’s leading earthquake monitoring agency relies on a network of seismometers.
 Seismologists utilize this comprehensive network to detect and measure earthquakes, offering
vital data that enhances the understanding of seismic activity and helps mitigate earthquake
risks. As a national authority on seismic monitoring, PHIVOLCS operates over 100 seismometers
across the archipelago, providing timely alerts and information about earthquake events.

While PHIVOLCS is crucial for monitoring seismic activity on a national scale, it primarily
focuses on broader geographic areas, creating a significant need to detect earthquakes in
localized settings, such as barangays and schools. Implementing portable earthquake alarm
systems in these communities can provide immediate alerts, enhancing safety and
preparedness. These localized systems can quickly inform residents and students of impending
seismic events, allowing for timely evacuations and safety measures, ultimately reducing the
risk of injury and damage in the event of an earthquake.

To address this gap, researchers developed a low-cost, Arduino-based earthquake alarm

system using an Arduino Nano that provides early warnings by detecting earthquakes. The LED
displays show figures, and a buzzer sounds to alert users to potential earthquakes. It is
important for communities to receive advance warnings from Arduino earthquake alarms to
prepare for an earthquake and evacuate quickly. Although this alarm cannot measure the
magnitude of an earthquake, it can help reduce casualties and property damage. The
researchers created this system to detect earthquakes and provide early warnings before they
strike.

This study aims to:

• Develop a low-cost, Arduino-based earthquake alarm system designed for specific barangays
or schools.
• Test the sensitivity and efficiency of the Arduino Earthquake Alarm

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the

Philippines is located in a seismically active region and is prone to earthquakes. Earthquakes
are natural disasters that can have devastating consequences, including loss of life, injuries,
and infrastructure damage. Early detection of earthquakes is essential for providing timely
warnings to communities and enabling effective disaster response.

Geologists use seismometers, which are sensitive to ground movements caused by

earthquakes, to study the Earth's interior. In the Philippines, there are 65 seismic stations,
including 29 manned, 30 unmanned, and 6 volcano stations, all managed by the Philippine
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). These stations, equipped with
different types of seismographs, play a crucial role in providing accurate and timely data on
significant earthquakes that could impact the Philippines.

In a study conducted by Silja Varghese, Acksa Varghese, Aiswarya Jagadees, and E. K.

Anupriya Vijayan of Computer Science and Engineering, Nehru College of Engineering and
Research Centre, Thrissur, India in 2020, an earthquake detector using Arduino was
developed. The main objective is that it can detect the initial low frequency vibrations of
 earthquake and also can estimate the ground level shaking. While detecting the vibrations
at early stages awareness can be provided as a preventive measure, hence evacuation can
be carried out easily. The system is easily portable. Comparing to the existing model, the
device is easy tocarry and place anywhere. As its size is comparatively small, it is highly
portable and it is light weighted. The hardware components used in the device are much
effective and less complex. It is light weighted. Due to its optimal size and reduced
complexity it is easy to handle.

The researchers create an earthquake alarm using Arduino-Nano that provides early
warnings by detecting earthquakes and the LED displays show figures and buzzer starts
ringing, alerting users to potential earthquakes. It is important for communities to be able
to receive advance warnings from Arduino earthquake alarms in order to be prepared in
case of an earthquake and to evacuate quickly. Although this alarm cannot measure the
magnitude of an earthquake, it can help reduce the number of casualties and property
damage. The researchers developed this system inorder to detect earthquake and provide
early warnings before it strikes.

This study aims to:

 Develop an earthquake detection alarm system using Arduino.

 Assess the practical application and impact of the Arduino Earthquake Alarm



METHODOLOGY:

MATERIALS

 10 pieces of 10 cm female-to-female connectors for connecting the components to the

Arduino

 1 piece of ky-003 shock sensor for detecting shock waves

 1 piece of 20 watts RGB led for alerting people green for good, red for danger
 1 piece of 12 watts buzzer(213 db) used to alert people with a high pitch sound1 piece
of ky-003 shockSW-18015P vibration sensor for detecting shock waves

 1 piece of 20 watts ky-016 RGB led for alerting people green for good, red for danger

 1 piece of 12 watts/5v buzzer (415 db) used to alert people with a high pitch sound

 1 piece of Arduino Nano V3 serves as the brain system for the devicerobot

 1 piece of 9-volts battery serve as the power supply

 1 piece of 9-volts battery holder to connect the Arduino and the battery

 1 piece of 5 by 5 inches y 5 inches memetal frame as the base for the components and
the robot

 1 piece of metal cutter for cutting the frame

 1 piece of red marker for marking the metal sheet

 1 piece of pfliers for cutting the wires

 1 piece of electrical tape to cover the open wires wires

 1 piece of glue gun use for securing the components in place

 1 piece of 12 incheses ruler used to measure the metal frame

 1 piece sand paper used to smoothen the metal frame

METHODS

First, using a ruler and a marker, assemble the metal frame and measure a 5-inch by 5-inch
frame (this can be crafted using any type of metal). After measuring, mark the designated area.
Next, using a metal cutter, cut along the outline of the frame. After forming the frame, use
sandpaper to smooth the metal until it is neat and polished. Then, connect the components to
the Arduino using female-to-female jumper wires. To create four female wires, use pliers to cut
two wires into four pieces, then peel the ends of each wire and connect them. The next step is
to connect the wires to the different pins on the Arduino. The first wire is connected to the
Arduino's GND pin, the second wire is attached to the sensor's G pin, the third is connected to
the LED's GND pin, and the last is connected to the negative pin of the buzzer. Then, connect
the other female jumper wires to their corresponding pins on the Arduino. Cut another wire
into two pieces, peel their ends, and connect one piece to the switch while placing the other
one to the positive and negative terminals of the battery. Position each component in its
designated spot: place the battery at one end, the sensor in front, the LED and buzzer on the
corresponding opposite sides, and finally, position the Arduino Nano in the middle of the
device. To test the accessibility and sensitivity to vibration of this proposed design, upload the
assigned code to the Arduino Nano, turn on the switch, and place it on a flat surface. Shake the
table left and right until it reaches the appointed frequency.
RESULTS

The Arduino earthquake alarm was tested for sensitivity and efficiency to detect vibrations
using a table to represent a structure. A Vibration Meter app was used to determine the
intensity of the vibration applied to the structure. This earthquake alarm system can detect
vibrations as low as intensity 1.38 and can do so within 0.2 seconds

ON THE TOP OF THE TABLE

Trial Time Intensity

1 0.2 sec 1.7

2 0.2 sec 1.3

3 0.2 sec 1.2

4 0.2 sec 1.4

5 0.2 sec 1.3

Average 0.2 sec 1.38

The earthquake alarm system can detect vibrations as low as an intensity of 1.8 within a
response time of 0.16 seconds.

ATTACHED TO THE TABLE

Trial Time Intensity

1 0.1 sec 1.7

2 0.2 sec 1.6

3 0.1 se 1.7

4 0.2 sec 1.6

5 0.2 sec 1.6

Average 0.16 sec 1.64

Based from the graph, the detection time of the alarm is constant at 0.2s when it is on top of the table
and when its attach on the side of the table it is detected at an average of 0.16s the intensity is at an
average of 1.38 which means that the alarm can detect the low intensity vibrations which are rarely
susceptible by humans. If people are alarmed earlier, then casualties like loss of lives might be mitigated.
Therefore, this prototype Arduino Alarm system is an efficient early warning device for small
communities and institutions thereby preventing loss of lives and mitigation of great damage
DISSCUSSION

Based on the few results, the prototype earthquake alarm can detect vibrations with an
intensity below 1.8, which can be scarcely perceptible and may only be slightly felt by people
inside a building. An early detection system for earthquakes at this low intensity will allow
people to be more aware of impending higher-intensity earthquakes. This awareness will
enable them to prepare and evacuate before a stronger earthquake occurs. This precious short
time can potentially save more lives.

First, using a ruler and a marker, assemble the metal frame and measure a 5 inches by 5 inches
frame (this can be crafted using any kind of metal). After measuring, mark the designated area.
Next, with the use of the metal cutter,cut the outline of the frame . Then, after forming the
frame, use a sand paper to smoothen the metal frame until it is neat and polished. After that,
connect the components to the Arduino using a female to female jumper wires. To create four
female wires, use the pliers in cutting the two wires into four and peel the end of each wire
then connect them all. The next step is to connect the wires on the different pins of the
Arduino. The first wire is connected on the Arduino's gnd pin, the second wire is attached to the
sensors gnd pin, the third is connected to the LED's gnd pin, and the last is on the negative pin
of the buzzer. Then, connect the other female jumper wires respectively to its corresponding
pins in the Arduino. Cut another wire into two pieces, peel their ends, fix it to the switch, and
place the other one in positive and negative charges of the battery. Paste each components to
its designated spot, (the battery is at the end, the sensor is fixed in front, the LED and buzzer is
attached on the corresponding opposite sides, and lastly, place the Arduino Nano at the middle
of the robot). Finally, to test the accessibility and the effectiveness of this proposed design,
upload the assigned code to the Arduino Nano and turn on the switch and put it in a flat surface
then shake the table left and right until it reach its appointed frequency.

RESULTS
This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Arduino-based earthquake alarms in detecting
and issuing warnings. Challenges such as IDE installation, sensor calibration, and compiling
the code are identified and addressed through further research and integration with existing
early warning networks.
 uTask uSchedule uActual uDelay uIssue uResolutio
Description d Time Start Time Time Encountered n

uTask
Number

u1 uSetup u8:00 AM u8:05 AM u5 mins uIDE uVerify

Arduino IDE installation installation,
issues reinstalled
IDE

u2 uConnect u8:35 AM u8:45 AM u10 mins uSensor uCheck

earthquake didn't work wiring,
sensor Replace
sensor

u3 uWrite u9:00 AM u9:15 AM u15 mins uCode didn't uDebugged

sensor data compile code,fixed
acquisition syntax
code errors and
recompiled

4 Integrate 12:00 AM 12:00 AM 0.3 Sensor and Successfully

components seconds code worked resolved
and final previous
testing issue,
sensor
accurately
detects
seismic
activities
and code
effectively
processes
data
DISCUSSION

The development of Arduino-based earthquake detection system contributes a great privilege

in developing emergency preparedness and response. This integrated system enables
coordinated actions, efficient resource allocation, and improved communication through
providing early warnings, accurate and real-time data. This study further discusses the
significance of navigating this proposed design; Arduino Earthquake Alarm as Early Warning
System as it greatly contributes in enhancing disaster response infrastructure and directly helps
in improving community resilience.

However, in this case, measuring the magnitude of an earthquake poses multiple challenges in
cultivating this investigation. For designing this kind of proposal, the intensity of an earthquake
is very essential in associating and handling with the preparedness and response that an
individual must do before, during, and after this kind of disaster. Traditional tools to measure
earthquakes have proven more complex and expensive, others faced difficulties and it is cheap
to combine them with Arduino systems.

To address this problem, researchers had explored this field and enabled factors in boosting
up alternative methods in estimating earthquake magnitude. Hence, it is also very necessary to
collaborate and work with earthquake experts. They can help in making sure that the systems
are accurate through sharing their sample knowledge on how to read sensor data and how to
make models in estimating earthquake's intensity. Their expertise can also contribute an
enormous impact in ensuring that the Arduino systems are working better in terms of picking
up the signs of earthquakes.
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
CODE

CODE
int GreenLed = 4;
int RedLed = 5;
int Shock = 6;
int Buzzer = 7;
int val;
int tones[ ]={261, 277, 293, 311, 369, 392, 415};

void setup
val = digutalRead (shock);
if (val = HIGH)
{
digitalWrite(RedLed, LOW);
digitalWrite(GreenLed, HIGH);
digitalWrite(Buzzer, LOW);

Else
digitalWrite(RedLed, HIGH);
digitalWrite(GreenLed, LOW);
digitalWrite(Buzzer, HIGH);
tone(Buzzer, tone[6]);
delay(50);
digitalWrite(Buzzer, LOW);
notone(Buzzer);
delay(50);
digitalWrite(Buzzer, HIGH);
tone (Buzzer, tone [9]);
delay(60000);
Digital Write(Buzzer, LOW);
notone(Buzzer);
}
}

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
DOCUMENTATIONS
R
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