How was Beijing National Stadium engineered to withstand earthquakes?

The Beijing National Stadium, often referred to as the "Bird's Nest," was engineered to withstand earthquakes primarily due to its location near active seismic zones.1

The stadium's structural integrity is achieved through a massive, complex lattice of steel columns and struts. These elements function as continuous limbs that rise from the ground and curve over the stadium's shoulder, intermeshing to form an enormous roof. This design, which features a forest of 24 massive columns—each weighing 1,000 tons—creates a robust framework that emphasizes the building's tectonic qualities while providing the necessary strength to endure seismic activity.1