Gigantic Steel Sphere: The Savior of Taipei 101 During Taiwan’s Massive Earthquake

Gigantic Steel Sphere: The Savior of Taipei 101 During Taiwan’s Massive Earthquake

The recent earthquake in Taiwan, the most powerful one in the last 25 years, has once again highlighted the resilience and preparedness of the island nation. In the heart of the seismic activity, the Taipei 101, Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper, stood tall and unscathed, thanks to a gigantic steel sphere known as a ‘tuned mass damper’.

This pendulum, weighing over 660 metric tons, played a vital role in offsetting the building’s swaying during the 7.4 magnitude earthquake. Suspended between several floors at the top of the Taipei 101, it absorbed the shock of the quake, ensuring the safety of those inside. The observatory, where this marvel of engineering can be viewed, has become a highly popular tourist attraction, symbolizing Taiwan’s advanced engineering techniques and its readiness to withstand earthquakes.

Despite its proximity to the quake’s epicenter, the city of Hualien was relatively calm the day after the earthquake, a testament to Taiwan’s strict enforcement of building codes and disaster management measures. These protocols, implemented after a devastating earthquake in 1999, have played a crucial role in minimizing casualties and damage. The Taiwanese government has made significant efforts to improve disaster management and preparedness, including stricter building codes, improved coordination in rescue efforts, and retrofitting of public buildings.

However, the earthquake has also cast a spotlight on the geopolitical tensions in the region. Taiwanese officials voiced their anger at China for attempting to claim worldwide sympathy post the earthquake. The ongoing tensions between the two countries over territorial disputes continue to be closely monitored by the international community.