Introduction
Built with earthquakes in mind, these buildings are seismically savvy and ready to face off against the strongest earthquakes in the world. Join me as I count down the top 15 most amazing earthquake-resistant structures.
Taipei 101, Taiwan
Taipei 101 in Taiwan was constructed with earthquake resiliency as a top priority. It features an internal damper system to stabilize the building during earthquakes and has sustainability and eco-friendly design elements.
Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco, California
The Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco is built to withstand earthquakes, with deep foundations, reinforced walls, and strategically placed sensors to measure seismic forces.
New Wilshire Grand Center, Los Angeles, California
The New Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles is a modern marvel of engineering designed to combat potential earthquakes, with resisting frames, buckling restrained braces, and a massive concrete foundation.
FAO Building, Nemea, Japan
The FAO Building in Nemea, Japan, stands out with its unique earthquake-resistant design using thermoplastic carbon fiber composite cables to provide strength and stability during quakes.
Shanghai Tower, China
The Shanghai Tower in China is built to withstand extreme weather conditions and earthquakes, with deep foundations, internal damper systems, and shock absorbers to control sway during seismic events.
Mori Tower, Tokyo, Japan
The Mori Tower in Tokyo showcases Japan’s advanced earthquake-resistant technology with 192 fluid-filled shock absorbers to minimize vibrations and ensure safety during earthquakes.
Rapa Temple, India
The ancient Rapa Temple in India utilizes innovative techniques like floating bricks, sandbox technology, and molten iron reinforcement to withstand seismic activity and natural disasters.
Public Safety Building, Salt Lake City, Utah
The Public Safety Building in Salt Lake City is designed to remain intact and functional during earthquakes, with reinforced walls, equipment, and interior partitions for safety and protection.
Tomb of Cyrus the Great
The Tomb of Cyrus the Great in Iran is the oldest earthquake-proof building, dating back to 6 BC and showcasing techniques like lightweight bricks, sandbox technology, and molten iron reinforcement.
CCTV Building, Beijing
The CCTV Building in Beijing is not only a unique architectural marvel but also highly earthquake-resistant, designed to withstand earthquakes with an 8.0 magnitude using computer simulations and innovative design features.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, Japan
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Japan, the largest nuclear generating station in the world, underwent upgrades after facing challenges during earthquakes, ensuring its safety and resilience.
Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway is an indestructible vault that preserves the genetic codes of essential crops, designed to withstand earthquakes and even a nuclear strike for long-term seed preservation.
Rio-Antirrio Bridge, Greece
The Rio-Antirrio Bridge in Greece is an earthquake-resistant cable-stayed bridge with deep foundations, seismic dampers, and regular inspections to ensure stability and safety during seismic events.
Torre Reforma, Mexico City
The Torre Reforma in Mexico City is an earthquake-resistant triangular tower with flexible design features, deep foundations, and seismic dampers that allow it to withstand earthquakes over the next few thousand years.
Istanbul Airport Terminal, Istanbul
The SAW Gokcen Airport Terminal in Istanbul is the world’s largest earthquake-resistant building, designed to withstand powerful earthquakes with energy-absorbing isolators and a moving unit design to handle seismic forces.
Questions
1. How does Taipei 101 in Taiwan demonstrate earthquake resilience through its design?
– Taipei 101 utilizes an internal damper system and sustainable features to withstand earthquakes.
2. What innovative earthquake-resistant techniques are used in the Rapa Temple in India?
– The Rapa Temple employs floating bricks, sandbox technology, and molten iron reinforcement for seismic protection.
3. How does the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway ensure the preservation of essential crops during global disasters?
– The Seed Vault is located in a natural freezer, reinforced with steel and concrete to withstand earthquakes and potential catastrophes.
4. What unique design features make the Torre Reforma in Mexico City earthquake-resistant?
– The Torre Reforma features hinges, crumple zones, and coupling beams for flexibility and energy absorption during earthquakes.
5. How does the SAW Gokcen Airport Terminal in Istanbul stand out as the world’s largest earthquake-resistant building?
– The airport terminal is equipped with energy-absorbing isolators and a moving unit design to withstand powerful earthquakes and ensure passenger safety.
