The National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, revealed a groundbreaking study uncovering the engineering secrets that has allowed the Great Pyramid of Khufu to withstand earthquakes for over 4,600 years.
The study was published in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports, part of the Nature Foundation, and received international coverage from Reuters.
The world has long believed that the sheer size and mass of the stones were the secret to the Great Pyramid’s survival. However, this new study has proven that the ancient Egyptians were first-rate geotechnical engineers who applied dynamic principles thousands of years ahead of their time.
By taking precise measurements at 37 points inside and outside the pyramid, scientists arrived at these astonishing results:
- Avoidance of Seismic Resonance: Studies have shown that the pyramid is designed with a uniform vibration frequency (average 2.3 Hz), which is significantly different from the frequency of the surrounding bedrock (0.6 Hz). This ingenious difference completely prevents the amplification of seismic waves when they strike the structure.
- The Secret of the Pressure Relief Chambers: It was long thought that these chambers were designed solely to distribute the weight of the stones above the King’s Chamber, but measurements have proven that they act as a disperser and a vital damper of seismic energy, significantly reducing seismic amplification within them.
- Structural Homogeneity: The pyramid’s design and mass distribution allow it to behave as a single dynamic mass, eliminating any destructive torsional forces during earthquakes.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
