Earthquake-proof table uses geometry to save lives

Arion McNicoll and Stefanie Blendis, CNN
Updated 5:19 AM EDT, Mon August 5, 2013
How can this table save lives? Designed by young Israeli Arthur Brutter and his former lecturer Ido Bruno, it can resist even the most severe of earthquakes and could offer reliable shelter to millions of people living in earthquake prone areas.
The tough table for rough times —
How can this table save lives? Designed by young Israeli Arthur Brutter and his former lecturer Ido Bruno, it can resist even the most severe of earthquakes and could offer reliable shelter to millions of people living in earthquake prone areas.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
When an earthquake strikes, the common drill in schools is for children to seek refuge beneath a table. If the ceiling caves in, a table can act as protection from falling debris.
The tough table for rough times —
When an earthquake strikes, the common drill in schools is for children to seek refuge beneath a table. If the ceiling caves in, a table can act as protection from falling debris.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
However, as Brutter and Bruno proved, a typical table is not strong enough to resist significant blows and hiding underneath can have catastrophic consequences.
The tough table for rough times —
However, as Brutter and Bruno proved, a typical table is not strong enough to resist significant blows and hiding underneath can have catastrophic consequences.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
The two designers set out to build an earthquake-proof table that can withstand significant pressure and improve chances of survival.
The tough table for rough times —
The two designers set out to build an earthquake-proof table that can withstand significant pressure and improve chances of survival.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
The earthquake-proof table "transforms energy and absorbs it," says Brutter. "When something falls on the table it absorbs the object's energy, and debris is forced to the side."
The tough table for rough times —
The earthquake-proof table "transforms energy and absorbs it," says Brutter. "When something falls on the table it absorbs the object's energy, and debris is forced to the side."
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem
It is designed so that weight is spread across it and tests have proved that the structure can endure up to a ton of falling weight.
The tough table for rough times —
It is designed so that weight is spread across it and tests have proved that the structure can endure up to a ton of falling weight.
Courtesy Arthur Brutter/Ido Bruno/Bezalel Academy Jerusalem