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The height of a particular building can make a difference in the amount of sustained damage due to ground acceleration at the base of the building.
The building has a inertia. During an earthquake, the ground shakes by accelerating in a particular direction and then accelerating back in the opposite direction. While the base of the building is accelerating, the remainder of the building has inertia that tries to keep it in one spot. There is more "building" that is resisting the acceleration in a tall building than in a small building.
Imagine holding on to a foot-long ruler and shaking it back and forth; you should feel the 'whip' effect as the top of the ruler struggles to keep up with the base of the ruler in your hand. Now, use the same amount of force but with a yardstick; you should feel a considerably higher amount of 'whip' and wobbling as the entire yard's worth of wood tries to keep up. The effect is similar to a large building; the top of the building 'whips' about as the base is shaken.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoSome buildings are built above standard, some built below standards, some right on par, and sometimes odds can just swing either way.
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Why all earthquakes are not damaging?
Earthquakes vary greatly in intensity. Many are not strong enough to cause any notable damage. Additionally, in some earthquake-prone areas the buildings are built to withstand earthquakes, and so are less likely to be damaged.
Does Japan have any solutions to their earthquakes?
The construct buildings knowing that earthquakes can strike.Many buildings are made to wobble when earthquakes strike. This gives a better chance for the building to absorb the earthquake and remain standing.
Are japans buildings earthquake proof?
Engineers in Japan design the buildings with the understanding of the frequency and intensity of earthquakes. They build the buildings to move with the motion of earthquakes so they will not crumble.
What is the kind of damage that earthquakes inflict on buildings like houses or shopping malls?
The buildings collapse.
Why do earthquakes bother people?
Because they knock buildings down. People are bothered when buildings fall onto them.
Why do earthquakes destroy some buildings and not others?
Daring an earthquake, the ground shakes, twists, and heaves, causing buildings to move. Houses can shift on their foundations, crack, and tumble to the ground. Some buildings, however, are built to withstand violent earthquakes. Some are also braced with special materials to keep them standing.
Why all earthquakes are not damaging?
Earthquakes vary greatly in intensity. Many are not strong enough to cause any notable damage. Additionally, in some earthquake-prone areas the buildings are built to withstand earthquakes, and so are less likely to be damaged.
What do people learn from earthquakes?
How to prepared for the next earthquake. For example, construction has enhanced significantly due to earthquakes. Buildings are now built to withstand any earthquake.
What are the problems faced by people in trying to reduce earthquakes?
There is no way to reduce an earthquake, however you can reduce the damage an earhquake causes by constructing buildings to withstand earthquakes.
Why is it important for us to indentify areas which are prone to earthquakes?
Areas prone to earthquakes should be identified so that people can prepare for them. Most notably, bridges and public buildings should be built to withstand earthquakes.
What causes most of the damage in earthquakes because of the side to side swaying motion that many buildings are unable to withstand?
Surface Waves.
Why is it important for us to indentify areas which are prone to earthquake?
Areas prone to earthquakes should be identified so that people can prepare for them. Most notably, bridges and public buildings should be built to withstand earthquakes.
How do you make a skyscraper with stand an eartthquake?
Actually taller buildings withstand earthquakes a lot better because the shock is absorbed up the building. This causes lest force to be exerted. Usually buildings that are more than 10 stories remain standing, even after severe Earthquakes.
Why do some earthquakes cause more deaths?
Because in some countries the buildings are well built (especially in countries where earthquakes are common, where buildings are designed especially to stand them) and in some places the houses are badly built.
What can be done when a new home is being built to prevent damage caused by liquefaction?
to reduce earthquake damage, new buildings must be made stronger and more flexible. older buildings however must be modified to withstand stronger earthquakes
How do architects design buildings houses and bridges to withstand earthquakes?
They don't. Civil Engineers are the ones who design structures to withstand earthquakes. All an architect can do is make it look pretty before mother nature takes a hit at it.
What can be done when a new home is being built to help prevent damage caused by liquefication?
to reduce earthquake damage, new buildings must be made stronger and more flexible. older buildings however must be modified to withstand stronger earthquakes
