How Vibrations Die Out

During an earthquake, the shaking ground can make buildings vibrate. The vibrations die out because of damping which removes energy from the moving building.

The damping can be caused by

  • Friction as different parts of the building move against each other.

  • Internal friction in the materials making up the structural members and other parts of the building.

  • Damage in the building, for example, cracking in concrete or brickwork or permanent distortions in steel.

Engineers can design buildings to have extra damping, by adding dampers to the structural frame. The dampers absorb energy from a vibrating building, so that its movement is not as violent.

Find out about Adding Dampers.

 

Vibrating Buildings
       How Vibrations Die Out

from Bristol University