How iconic Taipei 101 withstands earthquakes

At least 12 people were killed, and 770 buildings were damaged in the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan on April 3. But one structure stood tall and unscathed: the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper.

At the heart of the 1,667-foot-tall (508-meter-tall) building’s earthquake-proofing is the material it’s made of: reinforced concrete. By combining the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel, the building gains the flexibility to bend, yet the rigidity to withstand high winds and powerful typhoons that frequently batter Taiwan.

But that’s not the only feature protecting this skyscraper. High within its 101 floors, a technological innovation takes center stage: a massive, 660-ton tuned mass damper.

This giant, spherical device, suspended on cables between the 87th and 92nd floors, acts like a giant pendulum, swinging to counteract the building’s movements during an earthquake. As the tower sways, the damper lags behind, absorbing the kinetic energy and allowing the hydraulic cylinders between the ball and the building convert this energy into heat, which is then dispersed.

The tower sits on exceptionally deep foundations, with 380 reinforced concrete and steel piles drilled into the bedrock below. Its core is also connected to a series of “mega-columns” around the perimeter, providing additional structural support. (SD-Agencies)