How a skyscraper in Taiwan caused an earthquake

The construction of skyscrapers is associated with many difficulties, due to their colossal height, weight and small area on which the load is distributed. But sometimes even after the completion of construction, engineers have to solve a number of problems that arise during operation. Among the whole variety of high-rise buildings on our planet, there are those that, after construction, changed the wind situation around them, or their sheathing caused overheating of the surrounding space. But there is one much more serious case. This is the Taipei 101 skyscraper, which, according to experts, could provoke two earthquakes.

Taipei 101 skyscraper stands out from other high-rise buildings of the capital

When engineers designed the Taipei 101 skyscraper in the capital of Taiwan, they took a number of measures so that the grand building could withstand the hurricanes and earthquakes that could happen in the area. But they could not even assume that the symbol of the capital itself could cause earthquakes.

Taipei 101 rises above the Taiwanese capital by 509 meters. The building, built in 2003, has 101 floors above the surface and another 5 floors underground. In order for the high-rise building to be able to withstand tropical hurricanes, as well as withstand in case of possible earthquakes, its construction provides supports that are buried by 80 meters. In addition, three pendulum structures are installed in the skyscraper itself, which dampen the vibrations of the building, thereby reducing the risk of destruction.

The main pendulum structure that dampens the vibrations of a huge skyscraper

But immediately after the completion of the construction and the grand opening in the capital of the island there were two earthquakes with a magnitude of 3.2 and 3.8 points. Such a clear coincidence immediately aroused the interest of geologists. Studies have shown that a building with such an enormous weight and powerful supports in the ground could well have a negative impact on the state of the earth's crust and provoke, albeit not so catastrophic, but quite noticeable earthquakes. Some researchers did not agree with this opinion, however, the case of Taipei 101 can be considered the first earthquake in history to occur due to the fault of a skyscraper.