How the Great Pyramid of Khufu Can Inspire Earthquake-Resistant Modern Architecture

A recent study on the Great Pyramid of Khufu may offer valuable insights into mitigating earthquake risks for modern buildings and safeguarding historical monuments, according to Bassem Nabawy, head of Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics.

The research investigated the geophysical and engineering features that have allowed the pyramid to endure seismic activity for approximately 4,600 years. These insights could help engineers better grasp how natural frequencies interact between buildings and their underlying soil, thereby minimizing resonance risks that typically amplify ground vibrations during earthquakes.

Previously published in Scientific Reports—a journal under the Nature group—the research could pave the way for novel applications across engineering, geophysics, heritage preservation, and urban planning, noted Nabawy. He explained that these findings might aid in developing engineering solutions to manage vibrations in high-rise buildings, bridges, and critical infrastructure.

Furthermore, geophysical measurements could assist in planning new cities and major developments by analyzing soil properties prior to construction. This allows engineers to choose optimal structural designs for specific locations and lower seismic risks, while also employing non-destructive, eco-friendly monitoring methods to protect archaeological and heritage sites.

The institute plans to extend this methodology to other historical landmarks, including the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure, as well as locations in Dahshur and Saqqara. This initiative aims to construct a comprehensive geophysical database to better evaluate the dynamic behavior of Egypt's archaeological treasures against natural threats.

Led by researchers Mohamed Nabil al-Gabry, Hisham Hussein, Assem Salama, and Mohamed Salah Meqlad—in collaboration with Ayman Hamed from Suez Canal University and Japanese researcher Sakouji Yoshimura—the study highlights the powerful combination of geophysics, engineering, and archaeology.