how-taipei-101-s-giant-pendulum-saved-the-skyscraper-during-taiwan-earthquake

Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101, survived a recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake largely unscathed, thanks in part to its innovative design featuring a massive pendulum, reports CNN. The substantial yellow pendulum situated at the heart of the building played a crucial role in dampening the quake's impact.

 

Dubbed "Damper Baby," the pendulum serves as a tuned mass damper. It comprises a 660-metric-tonne steel sphere suspended over 1,000 feet above ground level at the building's core. In times of seismic activity or strong winds, the sphere sways to counterbalance the building's movement, mitigating sway by up to 40%, as the news outlet details.

 

Hanging between the 87th and 92nd floors, the pendulum consists of 41 steel layers, measures nearly 18 feet in diameter, and swings within a 59-inch limit to prevent excessive motion.

 

Once the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 remains an iconic landmark in Taiwan. Its design showcases innovative engineering aimed at safeguarding structures in earthquake-prone regions.

 

The technical term for the wind-damping ball is the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD). A TMD functions as a passive system tailored to suit the building's requirements, primarily aimed at reducing swaying caused by strong winds to ensure comfort for occupants in such a towering edifice.

 

While traditional concealed damping systems remain unseen, Taipei 101's TMD serves a dual purpose: it is both functional and aesthetically appealing. Visitors to the observation deck can catch a glimpse of the damping system's overall operation.

 

According to the Taipei 101 website, the spherical damper installed within the tower moves back and forth during earthquakes or typhoons, which are frequent occurrences on the island. 

 

This movement effectively absorbs the force of intense swinging, as affirmed by the Taipei 101 website. Engineers claim the damper can reduce the building's movement by up to 40 per cent, thereby alleviating discomfort experienced by occupants.