A seismologist from Taiwan has recently published a study indicating that the tallest building in the world, located in Taiwan, could potentially trigger earthquakes that may damage nearby shorter buildings. Ironically, this skyscraper was specifically designed to withstand extremely strong earthquakes.
Lin Cheng-horng, a renowned earthquake researcher from National Taiwan University, stated that the Taipei 101 skyscraper (101 floors, standing at 512 meters tall and weighing approximately 700,000 tons) may generate tremors similar to those experienced in nearby areas.
Expert Lin noted that the Taipei 101 super skyscraper could create seismic activities of unpredictable magnitudes in the surrounding region. He dedicated about a year to studying this unusual topic after observing several minor tremors occurring around this colossal and heavy building.
The Taipei 101 skyscraper is designed to resemble a bamboo shoot made of glass and steel, soaring majestically into the sky. It is equipped with a massive 733-ton steel ball suspended inside the building, which helps the structure resist earthquakes and strong winds.
Earthquakes are also common in Taiwan. The majority of these tremors do not cause significant damage; however, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck central Taiwan in September 1999 resulted in the loss of 2,300 lives.
HOÀNG KIM ANH
