How A 660-Tonne Pendulum Protected Taiwan's Tallest Skyscraper During A 7.4-Magnitude Earthquake

The tallest skyscraper in Taiwan boasts a unique mechanism safeguarding it against earthquakes and strong winds.

Taiwan's tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101, survived a recent 7.4-magnitude earthquake with minimal damage. This is credited in part to its innovative design, which includes a giant pendulum, according to CNN. The large yellow pendulum at the building's centre helped absorb the shock.

Nicknamed "Damper Baby," the pendulum is a tuned mass damper, a 660-metric-tonne steel sphere suspended over 1,000 feet above the ground at the building's nter. During an earthquake or strong winds, the sphere sways to counteract the building's movement, reducing its sway by up to 40%, as per the news outlet.

The pendulum hangs between the 87th and 92nd floors and is constructed from 41 steel layers. It's nearly 18 feet in diameter and swings within a limit of 59 inches to prevent excessive movement.