Passive Energy

Dissipation Devices in
Earthquake Resistant
Buildings
Earthquakes are one of the deadliest natural disasters in the world, causing
widespread destruction and loss of life. While there is no way to completely
prevent earthquakes, we can build earthquake-resistant structures that can
withstand their destructive forces. Passive energy dissipation devices are one
such technology that can help protect buildings from damage.

by Abdul Mutwalli
Introduction to Earthquake-Resistant
Buildings
What are Earthquake- Why are Earthquake- What Makes a
Resistant Buildings? Resistant Buildings Building Earthquake-
Important? Resistant?
Earthquake-resistant
buildings are structures Earthquake-resistant A building is considered

designed to withstand the buildings are important earthquake-resistant if it has

forces of an earthquake. because they can save lives been designed and
They are constructed using and reduce damage to constructed to withstand the
specialized techniques and infrastructure. They can help forces of an earthquake. This
materials that can absorb the ensure that a region can requires a combination of

seismic shock waves. quickly recover from an strong materials, flexible

earthquake. design, and effective seismic
isolation.
Importance of Passive Energy
Dissipation Devices
How Do Earthquakes
Cause Damage?
When an earthquake occurs,
massive seismic waves are
released that can cause
significant damage to buildings.
Traditional structures can fail due
to the stresses placed on them by
the waves.
What are Passive Energy
Dissipation Devices?
Passive energy dissipation
devices are specialized systems
installed in buildings that can
absorb and dissipate the energy
from seismic waves. They can
help reduce the forces on a
building and decrease the
chances of failure.
Why are Passive Energy
Dissipation Devices
Important?
Passive energy dissipation
devices are important because
they can help protect buildings
from damage and failure during
an earthquake. They can help
save lives and ensure that
buildings remain standing after
the event.
Types of Passive Energy Dissipation
Devices
1 Viscous Damper Systems

Viscous damper systems use hydraulic

Friction Pendulum Systems
Friction pendulum systems work by
allowing the building to sway on a
pendulum during an earthquake. They
are highly effective and can be installed
at a lower cost than other systems.
fluid to absorb and dissipate seismic
2
energy. These systems are effective at
reducing the forces on a building, but
they can be expensive to install.
3 Lead-Rubber Bearing Systems

Lead-rubber bearing systems use

laminated rubber and lead components
to absorb seismic energy. They are highly
Base Isolation Systems 4 effective at reducing the forces on a
Base isolation systems use shock- building.
absorbing materials to isolate the
building from the ground. These systems
are effective at reducing the
transmission of seismic waves to the
building.
Design Considerations of Passive
Energy Dissipation Devices
1 Building Height 2 Building Type 3 Surrounding
Environment
The height of a building The type of building being
can have a significant constructed will also The surrounding

impact on the design of impact the design of the environment can also

passive energy dissipation passive energy dissipation impact the design of

systems. Taller buildings system. Buildings with passive energy dissipation

will require more advanced unique shapes or systems. Buildings located

systems to ensure they structures will require in areas with high seismic
remain stable during an tailored designs to ensure activity will require more

earthquake. maximum effectiveness. advanced and robust

systems to ensure they
remain standing.
Benefits of Using Passive Energy
Dissipation Devices
Improved Safety
Passive energy dissipation
devices can greatly improve
building safety during an
earthquake, reducing the risk of
collapse and protecting the lives
of occupants.
Reduced Damage
Buildings with passive energy
dissipation systems are less
likely to suffer damage during
an earthquake, which can
greatly reduce the cost of
repairs and help ensure a faster
recovery.
Long-Term Savings
While passive energy
dissipation systems can be
expensive to install, they can
provide long-term savings on
maintenance and repairs, and
can even result in lower
insurance costs for the building.
Examples of Passive Energy Dissipation
Devices in Earthquake-Resistant
Buildings
Figueroa Tower - Los
Angeles, California
The Figueroa Tower is a 52-story
building in Los Angeles that
features a viscous damper
system to reduce seismic forces.
The system is highly effective and
ensures the safety of occupants
and the building itself.
Grand Hyatt Taipei -
Taipei, Taiwan
The Grand Hyatt Taipei is a 51-
story building in Taiwan that
features a friction pendulum
system to reduce seismic forces.
This highly effective system has
helped protect the building from
earthquake damage, even during
major seismic events.
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Wilshire Grand Center -
Los Angeles, California
The Wilshire Grand Center is a 73-
story skyscraper in Los Angeles
that features a combination of
passive energy dissipation
systems to reduce seismic forces.
These advanced systems help
ensure the safety of occupants
and the longevity of the building.
Conclusion and Future
Directions
Passive energy dissipation devices are a crucial component of earthquake-
resistant buildings, helping to protect occupants and structures from the
deadly forces of seismic waves. As technology continues to improve, we can
expect to see more advanced and effective systems being developed and
implemented in buildings around the world.