Can We Make Buildings Truly Earthquake-Proof?

Summary

This SciShow episode explores innovative engineering solutions to protect buildings from earthquakes. It discusses current methods like tuned mass dampers in skyscrapers and shock absorbers using rubber and lead. The show also previews upcoming technologies, including vibrating barriers that absorb vibrational energy and 3D-printed cement structures inspired by nature's resilience. Additionally, the concept of 'earthquake invisibility cloaks' that use rings to deflect seismic energy is introduced, highlighting the potential for future earthquake-resistant architecture.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Earthquakes are currently impossible to predict with certainty, necessitating constant vigilance in areas prone to seismic activity.
• 🏢 Engineers have developed various technologies to protect buildings during earthquakes, such as tuned mass dampers and shock absorbers.
• 🏙️ Tuned mass dampers, like the one in Taipei 101, use massive pendulums to counteract building sway, while shorter buildings often use base isolation systems.
• 🔧 Base isolation systems, exemplified by a major airport in Turkey, can reduce earthquake-induced movement by up to 80% using rubber and lead.
• 🔬 Engineers are researching advanced technologies like vibrating barriers, which use weights and springs to absorb vibrational energy and protect buildings.
• 🏛️ Vibrating barriers could be particularly useful for historical landmarks that cannot be modified, although they require specific calibration for each building.
• 🏗️ Research is also being conducted on strengthening building materials themselves, such as using carbon nanotubes or 3D-printed cement paste with specific patterns.
• 🦂 Nature-inspired designs, like the mantis shrimp's claw, are being incorporated into construction to minimize damage by distributing pressure and preventing cracks.
• 🧿 The concept of 'earthquake invisibility cloaks' involves plastic rings in building foundations that absorb and deflect seismic energy, making the building 'invisible' to earthquakes.
• 📚 For further learning on engineering challenges, including earthquakes and infrastructure, the Physics of the Everyday course from Brilliant offers in-depth information and interactive content.

Q & A

Why are earthquakes difficult to predict?

Earthquakes are difficult to predict because they are basically impossible to forecast with any real certainty, making it challenging for scientists to anticipate when the next significant earthquake will occur.

What is a tuned mass damper and how does it help in earthquake protection?

A tuned mass damper is a large pendulum placed high inside buildings, often skyscrapers, that swings in response to the building's movements. It counteracts external forces, reducing the side-to-side shaking during an earthquake.

Which famous building utilizes a tuned mass damper?

Taipei 101 in Taiwan is a famous building that uses a tuned mass damper to protect against earthquakes.

How do engineers protect shorter buildings from earthquakes?

For shorter buildings, engineers often use a system of rubber and lead at the base to isolate the building from the ground, acting as a shock absorber to reduce the impact of an earthquake.

What is a seismic isolator and how does it work?

A seismic isolator is a device used in the foundation of buildings to reduce the impact of earthquakes. It allows the structure to move independently of the ground, thereby reducing the amount of shaking transferred to the building.

What is the vibrating barrier system proposed for earthquake protection?

The vibrating barrier system is a proposed technology that uses a weight held by springs in a buried box near a building's foundation. It absorbs vibrational energy during an earthquake, protecting the building from damage.

How can carbon nanotubes be used in earthquake-resistant construction?

Carbon nanotubes can be used as a construction ingredient to strengthen buildings against earthquakes. They can enhance the material's strength and resilience, making structures more resistant to seismic forces.

What is the inspiration behind the 'architectures' used in 3D-printed cement paste for earthquake resistance?

The 'architectures' used in 3D-printed cement paste are inspired by the natural structures found in arthropods' shells, such as the mantis shrimp's claw, which distributes pressure through specific patterns to minimize damage.

What is an earthquake invisibility cloak and how does it function?

An earthquake invisibility cloak is a concept that involves embedding a series of plastic rings into a building's foundation. These rings have specific stiffness and elasticity to absorb and deflect earthquake energy, making the building 'invisible' to the seismic waves.

How do the plastic rings in an earthquake invisibility cloak protect a building?

The plastic rings in an earthquake invisibility cloak deform and deflect the earthquake's energy along their structure, redirecting the energy around the building, thus protecting the structure and the occupants inside.

What is the significance of the center of mass being below the surface in skyscrapers?

In many skyscrapers, having the center of mass below the surface helps to stabilize the building and prevent it from toppling over during high winds or earthquakes, as it lowers the building's center of gravity.