METACity‐Quito: A Semi‐Dense Urban Seismic Network Deployed to Analyze the Concept of Metamaterial for the Future Design of Seismic‐Proof Cities

Researchers have demonstrated that urban structures can act as seismic metamaterials, creating 'forbidden bands' where seismic energy is significantly reduced. This phenomenon, observed through a semi-dense urban seismic network in Quito, Ecuador (METACity-Quito), reveals how multiscale interactions between soil and buildings modify ground motion patterns. The study suggests that understanding these interactions could lead to the design of future seismic-proof cities by strategically arranging structures to mitigate earthquake damage. The approach involved deploying sensors across Quito to measure wavefield modifications, providing new insights into urban site effects and structural responses.

Guéguen, P., Diego Mercerat, E., Singaucho, J. C., Aubert, C., Barros, J. G., Bonilla, L. F., Cripstyani, M., Douste‐Bacqué, I., Langlaude, P., Mercier, S., Pacheco, D., Pernoud, M., Perrault, M., Pondaven, I., & Wolyniec, D. (2019). METACity‐Quito: A Semi‐Dense Urban Seismic Network Deployed to Analyze the Concept of Metamaterial for the Future Design of Seismic‐Proof Cities. Seismological Research Letters, 90(6), 2318–2326. https://doi.org/10.1785/0220190044