New dampening device designed to protect buildings from earthquakes

A new earthquake-dampening device patented in December 2025 offers a simple, low-cost solution to protect buildings and infrastructure from seismic activity, wind, and industrial vibrations. Developed by Prof. Moussa Leblouba at the University of Sharjah, the device consists of a hollow cylinder filled with steel balls and a central shaft lined with radial rods. It dissipates energy through friction generated as the rods move through the ball bearings, absorbing about 14% of vibration energy in lab trials. Unlike traditional dampers that rely on fluids or deformable metals and often require replacement after major events, this purely mechanical system requires no electricity, remains operational during power outages, and can be easily repaired by replacing individual parts. The device’s affordability, ease of on-site assembly, and retrofit capability make it particularly suitable for developing countries where expensive seismic engineering is often impractical. Additionally, it can recover its original shape after shaking, allowing continuous protection without costly immediate replacements. Beyond earthquake protection, the technology has potential