Abstract: Earthquake simulator making it possible to produce seismic waves and apply them to a sample, wherein it comprises a generator able to produce shock waves, whose frequencies are similar to the shock wave frequencies produced in a natural earthquake, the ratio of similitude being equal to 1/.lambda. in which .lambda. is a positive integer, said generator being formed by a cylinder, sealed at one of its ends by one of the walls of a cell containing the sample and at the other end by a thick wall to which are fixed means making it possible to produce shock waves within the cylinder, said waves being transmitted from the interior of the cylinder to the interior of the cell by means of openings made in the wall of the latter causing movements of the sample similar to those encountered during natural earthquakes.