Analysing-Earthquake-Proof Buildings

The way buildings stand up to an earthquake depends on its overall shape and size. This is not all as some earthquakes might be big, and some might be small. So it all depends on how big the earthquake is. Because we don’t know how or when an earthquake is going to strike, we must do our best to earthquake-proof a building.

Size of Buildings: In tall buildings, the horizontal movement of the floors during ground shaking is large. In short but very long buildings (Figure 1b), it is the other way round. Remember this: the side of the building with the most area is the side that is going to carry the least of the seismic waves. Buildings with large floors. like warehouses (Figure 1c), the horizontal seismic waves can be too much to be carried by columns and walls.

Horizontal Layout of Buildings: buildings with simple shapes (Figure 2a) have stood up well during

strong earthquakes. Buildings with curves and corners (Figure 2b), usually are badly damaged. Buildings with these features tend to twist during earthquakes.