A mechanical device developed at the University of Sharjah aims to mitigate earthquake impacts by dissipating energy and has shown promise in laboratory tests.
A new mechanical device has been created by civil engineering professor Moussa Leblouba at the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to reduce the impact of earthquakes on buildings, bridges, and sensitive equipment. Patented in December 2025 in the United States, the device has demonstrated the ability to dissipate approximately 14% of vibrational energy during lab tests, proving vital for structures susceptible to seismic activity.
The device addresses the detrimental effects caused by earthquakes, strong winds, or even routine activities such as train movements and industrial machinery, which can lead to significant structural damage over time. By dissipating energy before it reaches the critical elements of a building, it aims to enhance the resilience of infrastructure, making it more robust against various external forces, thus potentially saving lives and reducing economic loss during seismic events.
As cities become more densely populated and vulnerable to natural disasters, innovations like this mechanical device represent a critical step forward in engineering design. The development evolves into a significant solution for civil engineering, particularly in earthquake-prone regions, potentially revolutionizing how buildings and bridges are constructed and maintained, emphasizing sustainability and functionality without the need for electricity.
