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Reclamation usually involves construction on areas that ere previously below sea level. Either the ground level is built up by the tipping of rockfill or berms are created and the water removed by pumping to create an area of dry land that is below sea level (this is a very common process in Holland).

The problem with this is that the amplitude of seismic waves is related to the ground through which they travel. The amplitude of seismic waves in poorly compacted sediments (such as those likely to be found in reclaimed areas) tends to be larger than that which would occur where the founding material was stiffer and stronger (e.g. areas founded on bedrock). As such for a given earthquake, buildings in areas that are reclaimed are likely to experience more severe ground shaking than in other areas making them more likely to collapse.

Further to this, sediments can undergo a process known as liquefaction where the pore water pressure is driven up to such a high level the individual soil grains effectively become buoyant and the soil loses it's ability to support surface loads which can also lead to buildings collapsing.

Finally areas of reclaimed land that are still below sea level or are near the coast will inherently be at greater risk from a tsunami than other areas.

For more information on this, please see the related questions.

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Q: Why might buildings in reclaimed areas be more dangerous than ones which are not during an earthquake?
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What is the percentage of buildings damaged during the earthquake in Haiti?

78


What is more dangerous a tsunami or earthquake?

Earthquake itself is not dangerous if you know how to response. as long as you are on the right place, for example on an open place or inside seismic resistant buildings, etc you will be fine. Many people killed during earthquake because of panic and do wrong thing. tsunami triggered by underwater earthquake and off course more more more dangerous than earthquake. for example if there is no tsunami in sendai, miyagi, iwate area (march 11, 2011) the people killed will be not so significant. tsunami is the most dangerous natural disaster in the world.


What causes walls and buildings to crumble during an earthquake?

the cause of structures to collapse during earthquakes are upheavals of tectonic plates..


Why do you need earthquake resistant building?

Earthquake resistant buildings are necessary to protect people's lives and reduce property damage during seismic events. These buildings are designed to withstand the forces and vibrations caused by earthquakes, preventing collapse and reducing the risk of injury or death. Investing in earthquake resistant buildings is crucial in regions prone to earthquakes to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants.


What is a seismic safe building?

No building is seismic safe. No building is earthquake proof. However, there are steps that can be taken to make buildings more earthquake resistant. Concrete buildings made without rebar will collapse in an earthquake. Concrete buildings and concrete block buildings in Guatemala that hold up in earthquakes are those that use a lot of rebar. It is also important to use metal straps to tie the roof to the walls. The straps are inexpensive, but they maintain the integrity of the building. The roof should have cross pieces.

Related questions

Why are aftershocks dangerous to buildings after a large earthquake?

Sometimes, buildings weakened by an earthquake, then it would collapse during a aftershock.


What is the percentage of buildings damaged during the earthquake in Haiti?

78


What is the effect on surrounding areas during earthquake?

broken buildings collapsed buildings roofs ect


Why do buildings collapse during an earthquake?

there was one reason there were many different car accidents and ane accidents.


What is more dangerous a tsunami or earthquake?

Earthquake itself is not dangerous if you know how to response. as long as you are on the right place, for example on an open place or inside seismic resistant buildings, etc you will be fine. Many people killed during earthquake because of panic and do wrong thing. tsunami triggered by underwater earthquake and off course more more more dangerous than earthquake. for example if there is no tsunami in sendai, miyagi, iwate area (march 11, 2011) the people killed will be not so significant. tsunami is the most dangerous natural disaster in the world.


What is the most important thing to do during an earthquake?

Avoid tall buildings.


What causes walls and buildings to crumble during an earthquake?

the cause of structures to collapse during earthquakes are upheavals of tectonic plates..


What sounds like anger?

roaring thunder in a stormy day and buildings falling during an earthquake.


Why is it safer to live in a rural area during an earthquake?

There is less chance of buildings collapsing on you and your possessions


What types of buildings are unsafe during an earthquake?

mud bricks or maybe even adobe bricks


Who don't all buildings collapse when there is an earthquake?

Well, not all don't collapse because some are strong enough to hold themselves during an earthquake.


How do you save peoples live during earthquake?

you make sure that everyone is as far away from any tall buildings as possible. Keep them in a field if possible. Trees and rocks on cliffs are very dangerous and can fall on people underneath them.