How did the Japan earthquake prove the tallest tower in the world?

Video hosted and narrated by Fred Mills. This video contains a paid promotion for Brilliant.

At a height of 634 metres, the Tokyo Sky Tree stands as a beacon of modern engineering, and a symbol of Tokyo's resilience in the face of natural challenges. As the third tallest free-standing building in the world, it offers visitors stunning views from Tempo, a platform located 350 meters above the city. For those who dare, Tempo Galleria, located an additional 100 meters higher, offers a higher perspective.

But beyond its role as a tourist attraction, the Skytree is a triumph of engineering designed to withstand some of nature's most extreme forces. Tokyo, located in one of the most seismically active areas on Earth, is struck by earthquakes with alarming regularity, with seismic activity recorded in Japan approximately every five minutes. However, the Skytree was built not only to survive, but to thrive under these conditions.

Above: Tokyo Sky Tree.

The Skytree's ability to withstand earthquakes goes back to the history of Japan's architecture, especially ancient temples. Take, for example, Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga, one of the oldest wooden structures in the world. Although it has been subjected to centuries of earthquakes, its innovative design has kept it standing since its construction in 711.

The secret lies in its flexible wooden joints and shinbashira, a central column that helps absorb and dissipate seismic energy. Inspired by this ancient innovation, Skytree includes a modern equivalent: a massive reinforced concrete core that serves as its shinbashira.

Above: Many Japanese temples have remained standing for centuries, despite the threat of earthquakes.

Skytree's stabilization begins underground. The design of its triangular base, similar to the CN Tower and Burj Khalifa, anchors the structure with three sets of deep wall foundations. It is driven 50 meters into the ground, supported by reinforced concrete walls that create friction to counter wind forces and seismic activity.

Wind is another huge challenge for tall structures. Drawing lessons from the Eiffel Tower and the CN Tower in Toronto, the Skytree's triangular base transforms into a circular shape as it rises, improving aerodynamics. The tower's outer steel grid, made of high-strength steel tubes up to 2.3 meters wide, provides additional stability.

To combat vibrations, Skytree uses an advanced vibration control system.

Its inner shinbashira is structurally separate from the outer steel truss, allowing it to sway independently and cancel out earthquake-induced movements. The oil damper system between the core and the outer shell absorbs up to 50 percent of the earthquake's energy.

Above: The oil damper inside the Skytree. Courtesy of Tokyo Skytree.

Essentially, the Skytree rests on seismic base isolators, which are huge rubber pads 1.4 meters thick. These insulators allow the tower to flex without damage during an earthquake.

High winds pose a threat to Skytree's broadcast masts, which is critical to Tokyo's disaster response system. To ensure stability, Skytree uses tuned mass dampers, located at heights of 620 and 625 metres. These devices use huge weights to affect frequencies opposite the wind's resonance, reducing vibrations and protecting the tower's antennas.

Above: The tuned mass damper of the Tokyo Skytree under testing. Courtesy of Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo's Skytree is more than just a modern engineering feat, it is a testament to human determination to overcome nature's greatest challenges. In a city threatened by earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and even volcanic eruptions, Skytree stands out as a symbol of resilience and innovation.

This magnificent structure not only provides a panoramic view of one of the world's most vibrant cities, but also represents a beacon of safety, stability and engineering brilliance. And in Tokyo, where the earth may shake, the tree of heaven remains unshaken.

This video and article contain a paid promotion for Brilliant. To try everything Brilliant has to offer for free for a full 30 days, visit https://brilliant.org/TheB1M/ and you'll also get 20% off a premium annual subscription.

Video narrated and hosted by Fred Mills. Additional shots and photos courtesy of Tokyo Sky Tree

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