What type of device is installed near the top of Taipei 101 to reduce wind and earthquake movement?

Taipei 101 uses a tuned mass damper to reduce movement caused by wind and earthquakes.

The giant steel sphere hangs between the 87th and 92nd floors. It can move independently as the tower sways, counteracting some of the building’s motion and improving comfort for occupants.

The damper weighs about 660 metric tons and is one of Taipei 101’s most famous engineering features. Visitors can view it from an indoor observation area, where its size and suspension system are clearly visible.

A tuned mass damper does not make a skyscraper completely motionless or earthquake-proof. Instead, it is a carefully calculated counterweight that works with the building’s structural system to limit excessive oscillation.