Vibration control facts for kids

In earthquake engineering, vibration control is a set of technical means for decreasing seismic loads and improving seismic performance of building structures.

Dry-stone walls control of Machu Picchu Temple of the Sun, Peru

Tuned mass damper control in Taipei 101, the world's second tallest skyscraper

Types of vibration control devices

All vibration control devices may be classified as passive, active or hybrid. The first kind is the simplest one and, therefore, widespread. Passive control devices represent different types of base isolators and seismic dampers.

Base isolators restrict penetration of potentially damaging seismic waves into a building structure while dampers decrease destructive effect of those waves.

Images for kids

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  Base isolator being tested at the UCSD Caltrans-SRMD facility