5 July, 2015:

The University of Brighton have designed a novel vibrating barrier (ViBa) that reduces the vibrations of nearby structures caused by an earthquake’s ground waves.

Devices such as isolation systems and dampers reduce the vibrations of structures induced by earthquakes are successfully employed in the design of new buildings but many buildings in the earthquake zones don’t have built-in protection, particularly in developing countries. More than 130,000 houses were destroyed by the earthquake in Nepal in April 2015. These technologies in developing countries might be impractical.

Swayambhunath stupa after earthquake (1)

The new anti-earthquake device would be buried in the soil and detached from the surrounding buildings and it should be able to absorb a significant portion of the dynamic energy arising from the ground motion with a consequent reduction of the seismic response (between 40-80%).

The ViBa is placed at strategic locations and can protect one or more buildings from an earthquake or it can be used to protect and entire city.