Abstract: A seismic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement including at least one pair of elements, each angled with respect to a vertical and extending into the earth and toward a protection zone. The elements thus form a tapered aperture, the structural arrangement defining the protection zone at an upper portion of the aperture. Each element defines an inner volume and contains a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated seismic wave in earth having a wavelength at least one order of magnitude greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner volume of each of the elements. The medium is at least one of air, gas, water, and viscous fluid. The structural arrangement is configured to attenuate power from the anticipated seismic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated seismic wave external to the protection zone.

Abstract: An elastic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an elastic wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated elastic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated elastic wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of an elastic wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: A seismic, water, or acoustic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of a wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: An elastic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an elastic wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated elastic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated elastic wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of an elastic wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.