Taming the Tremors: Evaluating Seismic Protection Systems in Tall and Short Buildings

Overview

Earthquakes produce seismic forces that can cause serious structural damage, making seismic engineering essential for building safety. This project investigated two common seismic protection systems: Base Isolation Systems (BIS) and Tuned Mass Dampers (TMD) to determine how effectively they reduce structural motion in tall and short buildings. Scale building models were constructed using straws to represent building frameworks. Base Isolation System was designed using springs and cardboard to decouple the structure from ground motion. Tuned Mass Damper was created by suspending metal washers inside the structure to act as a counterweight that absorbs vibrational energy. Each model was tested under three conditions: No protection, BIS, and TMD, using an earthquake simulator. A BBC micro:bit, programmed with Microsoft MakeCode, measured acceleration, pitch, and roll, which are key indicators of seismic response. The data collected were analyzed in Excel and compared using graphs. Results showed that both BIS and TMD significantly reduced structural movement compared to unprotected buildings. BIS was most effective in short buildings by limiting the transfer of ground motion, while TMD performed better in tall buildings by reducing sway and oscillation. These results demonstrate that seismic protection systems improve structural stability and earthquake resilience. Selecting the appropriate system based on building height can reduce damage and increase safety in earthquake-prone regions. Notable examples Oakland City Hall using BIS (California) and Burj Al Arab using TMD (UAE). Smart apps using BBC micro:bit to monitor gas, fire, and seismic activity can provide early warnings and protect lives.

Competition history

• CSEF 2026 Applied Mechanics (Junior Division) · Entry J-02-06

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