Why can't we build an earthquake-resistant building?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations in constructing earthquake-resistant buildings, exploring the forces involved, engineering approaches, and the distinction between earthquake resistance and proof. Participants also touch on practical aspects such as cost and ongoing research in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the forces that need to be considered when constructing buildings in relation to earthquakes.
  • One participant asserts that earthquake-resistant buildings do exist, citing examples from California.
  • A distinction is made between earthquake-resistant and earthquake-proof structures.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of understanding a structure's natural vibrational modes and frequency response to earthquake forces, referencing practices in Japan.
  • Cost is mentioned as a significant factor in building designs, suggesting that while it is possible to create buildings that are entirely earthquake-proof, the expense and practicality may deter such designs.
  • A participant notes that trees can bend and absorb seismic forces, unlike rigid building materials such as bricks.
  • There is mention of ongoing efforts in civil engineering departments specializing in seismic design.
  • One participant points out that research and building codes evolve with each significant earthquake, leading to improved earthquake resistance in new buildings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the feasibility and practicality of building earthquake-resistant structures, with no consensus on the best approaches or solutions. Some agree that such buildings can be constructed, while others emphasize the limitations and challenges involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various factors influencing building design, including material properties, engineering practices, and economic considerations, without resolving the complexities involved in achieving effective earthquake resistance.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to civil engineers, architects, students studying structural engineering, and individuals concerned with earthquake safety and building design.

Victoria
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What are the forces that we need to consider when constructing a building?
when there are tree that can resist an earthquake why can't a building resist it?
 
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Victoria said:
What are the forces that we need to consider when constructing a building?
when there are tree that can resist an earthquake why can't a building resist it?

We can build them. There are plenty of earthquake resistant buildings in California.

CS
 
There is of course a difference between earthquake resistant and earthquake proof.
 
Japan is also on the forefront of engineering in earthquake resistant structures. The basic idea is engineers take a very close look at a structure's natural vibrational modes and frequency response to the forcing frequency of an earthquake, based on empirical measurment.
 
Victoria said:
when there are tree that can resist an earthquake why can't a building resist it?
Ultimately it's a question of cost. You could build a building that was totally proof against an earthquake, but you wouldn't want to pay for, or live in, a bomb shelter.
 
lots of people are working on it. my civil department specializes in seismic design
 
Victoria said:
What are the forces that we need to consider when constructing a building?
when there are tree that can resist an earthquake why can't a building resist it?
Simple answer: trees bend. Bricks don't.
 
You might want to visit the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) web site.
www.eeri.org[/URL]
If you are nearby to Oakland, they used to also have some really neat exhibits at their HQ. It's also close to Jack London Square and you can see the original models for the Imperial Walkers (a plug for Oakland).
 
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With every big (high magnitude in richter scale) earthquake more research is done, and building codes get updated thus buildings get more resistant to earthquakes.
 

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