Menshin and vibration suppression

The earlier earthquake-resistant design methods sought to increase the strength of a structure so that it could withstand the given seismic input safely. Contrarily, the menshin design tries to reduce the effect of seismic input by reducing the amplitude of seismic force acting on a structure or by driving away the seismic energy incident at the structure. The merits of the menshin design are as follows. It is possible to reduce (remove) structural components necessary to withstand strong seismic force. Once the seismic load loses its controlling role, standard design methods can be adopted irrespective of local seismic conditions. Since a space with reduced earthquake effect is created (as a result of this design technique) it improves work ease, living conditions etc. Also one can install equipment sensitive to vibrations (otherwise not possible). The freedom in design increases as structural restrictions for providing earthquake resistance can be excluded. Construction is possible at sites, where difficult by conventional design methods.