News Summary

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed a groundbreaking structural system designed to help highrise buildings withstand major earthquakes. Led by Dr. Tony Yang, a structural engineering professor at UBC, the team constructed a scale model of a typical 30-storey Vancouver highrise. This model was subjected to over 100 simulated earthquakes at the International Joint Research Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering in Shanghai, demonstrating its ability to remain intact and fully functional after intense shaking. The new system integrates rocking foundations, outriggers, and high-performance dampers to absorb earthquake energy, reducing stress on the building’s core and foundation. This innovative approach not only enhances structural resilience but also allows for lighter construction and increased usable space. Although not yet implemented in Canada, plans are underway to collaborate with engineering firms and community partners to apply this technology to residential and commercial projects, potentially improving earthquake resilience for highrises globally.