Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper, recently endured a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake and emerged with minimal damage. This remarkable resilience can be attributed, in part, to its innovative design, which incorporates a massive pendulum. As reported by CNN, the building’s central yellow pendulum, known as “Damper Baby,” serves as a tuned mass damper, weighing a staggering 660 metric tonnes and suspended over 1,000 feet above the ground. During seismic events or strong winds, this steel sphere sways in opposition to the building’s movement, effectively reducing its sway by up to 40%.
The pendulum is positioned between the 87th and 92nd floors and consists of 41 layers of steel. With a diameter of nearly 18 feet, it swings within a limited range of 59 inches to prevent excessive motion. Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest structure, continues to stand as a prominent landmark in Taiwan. Its design exemplifies the application of innovative engineering to safeguard buildings in earthquake-prone areas.
Referred to as a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), the wind damping ball serves as the technical name for this system. The TMD is a passive mechanism specifically tailored to the building’s requirements. Its primary purpose is to mitigate swaying caused by strong winds, ensuring a comfortable environment within the towering structure. While traditional damping systems remain concealed, the TMD in Taipei 101 is not only functional but also an aesthetic attraction. Visitors to the observation deck can catch a glimpse of the overall operation of this damping system.
According to the Taipei 101 website, the spherical damper installed in the building moves back and forth during earthquakes or typhoons, which are common occurrences on the island. This movement effectively absorbs the force generated by intense swinging, as stated on the website. The engineers behind this damper claim that it can reduce the building’s movement by up to 40%, thereby minimizing discomfort for occupants.
Footage from closed-circuit TV cameras capturing the Taipei skyline during the earthquake vividly demonstrates the minimal movement of this pagoda-shaped skyscraper. Meanwhile, a comprehensive security assessment of the building following the earthquake confirmed its structural integrity.
