Natural Frequency of Buildings and Resonance Phenomenon: Impacts on Structural Design

This article examines the natural frequency of buildings and the resonance phenomenon, highlighting their significant impacts on structural design. Understanding the natural frequency is crucial for predicting how buildings respond to dynamic loads such as earthquakes and wind. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the height and mass of buildings, as these factors influence their natural frequency and, consequently, their behavior during seismic events. Through theoretical discussions and practical examples—including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse and the Mexico City earthquake of 1985—the paper demonstrates the risks posed by resonance when the natural frequency of a structure aligns with external excitation frequencies. A case study of the Burj Khalifa is presented to showcase advanced structural and aerodynamic design strategies for mitigating seismic and wind-induced resonance. This research aims to serve as a reference for engineers and architects in understanding and addressing resonance-related challenges to enhance the safety and resilience of tall structures.