Here's how a ball saved one of the world's tallest building from devastating earthquake in Taiwan

Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101, recently withstood a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake with minimal damage, showcasing the effectiveness of its innovative design. Located in Taipei, just 80 miles from the earthquake's epicenter, the tower's survival highlights its architectural resilience and the use of advanced engineering to combat natural disasters.

The Tuned Mass Damper:
At the heart of Taipei 101's earthquake resistance is its tuned mass damper, a massive 660-ton golden steel sphere suspended within the tower. This pendulum-like device is designed to counteract the building's swaying during seismic activity, absorbing kinetic energy and reducing movement by up to 40%.


Architectural Features:
Constructed primarily from reinforced concrete, Taipei 101's ability to flex in response to seismic forces, while maintaining rigidity against high winds and typhoons, is central to its survival. The building's foundation reaches deeply into the bedrock, supported by reinforced concrete and steel piles, ensuring stability during earthquakes.

Design by CY Lee & Partners:
Taipei 101's design, by Taiwanese firm CY Lee & Partners, incorporates several features for stability, including enormous steel outrigger trusses connecting core and perimeter mega-columns. Adhering to strict anti-seismic building codes, Taipei 101 stands as a model of high-rise safety and design foresight.

The "Damper Baby" in Action:
The large yellow pendulum, nicknamed "Damper Baby," hangs between the 87th and 92nd floors, swinging within a limit of 59 inches to prevent excessive movement. Visitors to Taipei 101's observation deck can witness the tuned mass damper in action, offering a unique glimpse into the building's innovative engineering.

Despite being once the world's tallest building, Taipei 101 continues to be a landmark skyscraper in Taiwan, symbolizing architectural innovation and safety in earthquake-prone regions. Its ability to withstand the recent earthquake demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced engineering in safeguarding structures against natural disasters.