Taipei 101 Survived the Magnitude 7 Earthquake That Hit Taiwan; Here's How the Country's Tallest Skyscraper Withstood the Nation's Strongest Quake in 25 Years

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan earlier this week, making it the strongest quake to hit the country in 25 years.

7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Taiwan

The extreme earthquake toppled buildings, triggered tsunami warnings, and killed at least nine individuals. Hundreds of individuals were also left injured by the terrorizing quake.

According to the Taiwan National Fire Agency, it has been feared that around 143 individuals, several being tourists in hotels that are badly damaged, could be trapped within the ruins.

The quake took place at roughly 8 a.m. local time. According to the US Geological Survey, its depth was at roughly 21 miles. Its epicenter was around 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien City, on the Pacific Coast of the island.

The earthquake was the strongest one to hit the country since 1999, when a 7.6-magnitude quake hit Taiwan and killed roughly 2,400 individuals.

How Taipei 101 Withstood 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake

However, despite the chaotic ground shaking, it appears that the Taipei 101 skyscraper, which is Taiwan's tallest building, was able to withstand the attack. In fact, footage shows that the skyscraper was swaying gently like a stick in the breeze.

The skyscraper stands tall at a height of 1,671 feet. It has an ingenious solution that reduces the sway of the building by 40% during winds and quakes.

A golden sphere, known as the tuned mass damper, that weighs 660 metric tons hangs within the building from its 92nd floor. As the Taipei 101 moves to a single direction, the sphere of steel sways towards the other direction to maintain the overall balance of the building.

If the force of an earthquake or wind pushes the structure to the right, the steel sphere immediately provides equal force towards the left in order to cancel out the initial motion. Hence, even if the tower sways, it does not topple.

Such a phenomenon is called a passive damping system, which allows it to operate without external control or power. Mere gravity and building movement trigger its function.

At the same time, hydraulic pistons beneath the huge sphere dissipate and absorb the energy in the form of heat. Structural dynamics professor Dr. Agathoklis Giaralis says that the spherical device is similar to a pendulum.

Though it can be odd to witness a swaying building, modern skyscrapers are constructed with flexibility, especially in areas like Taiwan that are prone to earthquakes. Professor Antony Darby from the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering at the University of Bath shares that the materials consist of elastic, meaning that they could contract or stretch according to the altering loads that act upon them.

The deformation amount in a single element is extremely small. However, when it is multiplied across every element within a tall building, it could lead to significant sideway movements. While the movements do not pose danger to the structure, excessive movement could trigger discomfort for those who occupy the structure.

On top of this, Taiwan is a country that is notably prone to earthquakes. Nevertheless, the country's earthquake preparedness is among the world's most advanced. The country has a world-class seismological network, strict building codes, and vast public education campaigns pertaining to earthquake safety.

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