“Tuned mass dampers” can reduce building motion by up to 40%.
Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper, survived the recent 7.4 magnitude earthquake with minimal damage.According to reports, this is partly due to its innovative design, which includes a giant pendulum CNN. A large yellow pendulum in the center of the building helps absorb shock.
Nicknamed the “Damper Baby,” the pendulum is a tuned mass damper, a 660-metric-ton steel ball suspended more than 1,000 feet above the ground in the center of the building. During earthquakes or strong winds, the spheres sway to counteract the building’s movement, reducing its sway by up to 40 percent, according to news outlets.
The pendulum hangs between the 87th and 92nd floors and is made of 41 layers of steel. It’s nearly 18 feet in diameter and has a swing range of 59 inches to prevent excessive movement.
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world and remains Taiwan’s landmark skyscraper. The building’s design demonstrates how innovative engineering can be used to protect structures in earthquake-prone areas.
What are shock absorbing balls?
The technical name for wind damping balls is tuned mass dampers (TMD). TMD is a passive system tailored to the needs of the building. Its main purpose is to reduce sway caused by strong winds and make working in such a tall tower comfortable. Traditional hidden damping systems are invisible, but the Taipei 101 TMD is both practical and beautiful. Visitors to the observation deck can see the overall operation of the damping system.
How do tuned mass dampers work?
according to Taipei 101 website, The spherical dampers installed in Taipei 101 move back and forth during earthquakes or typhoons, a common occurrence on the island. As stated on the Taipei 101 website, this movement absorbs the force of any violent swings. The damper’s engineers claim it can reduce building movement by up to 40%, reducing discomfort for those inside.
CCTV footage of Taipei’s skyline during the earthquake shows slight movements of the pagoda-shaped skyscraper. Meanwhile, a security camera on another building showed noticeable shaking.
