answersLogoWhite

0

Skyscrapers can be built to resist earthquakes, within limits.

However big an earthquake was, you can't ever say there couldn't be one that is bigger. Therefore, it is always possible, at least theoretically, that however large the earthquake your skyscraper is designed to withstand, it could be hit by one even larger which would damage it or bring it down in spite of your efforts.

That said, there are many things you could do to make a skyscraper better able to resist earthquakes. One of the simplest methods, useful for buildings of all types is to simply fasten things together in ways that frames won't pop loose, materials won't fall apart, glass won't fall out, and so on.

One good example is to give up simple masonry in favor of reinforced concrete or other reinforced masonry. Standard masonry is strong and durable; the examples of Roman structures that have endured for literally thousands of years prove that. But while it is very strong when compressed, when stretched it comes apart easily. Placing steel reinforcing rods in concrete (or tying together other masonry in similar ways) will help counteract that.

Another general method is to build on good ground. Some types of ground, notably ground made up by filling lakes (as in Mexico City) or marshes or waterfront (as in San Francisco) tends to become liquid when shaken by earthquakes. It doesn't much matter how solidly you build if your building rests on ground that's going to flow out from under it when the earthquake hits. Avoiding building on such ground, or building a foundation that goes deep to solid rock beneath bad ground, might be ways to avoid these problems.

Skyscrapers and other large buildings have sometimes been "shock-mounted" on foundations that incorporate springs and rollers. This system acts as shock absorbers to cushion the building from earthquake shocks. In addition, some skyscrapers have movable counterweights built in on a higher level, to help damp out any swaying that might occur; this might be useful for both earthquakes and major storms.

In short, a big enough earthquake is going to bring anything down, but if you know how big the earthquake will be-- or can guess successfully!-- you can take measures to harden buildings against it. Even if the buildings are skyscrapers.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about General History

Who built huge carefully cut and fitted stones?

The ancient Inca civilization is renowned for building structures using huge, carefully cut, and fitted stones, particularly evident in sites like Machu Picchu and Cusco, Peru. Their advanced stonemasonry techniques allowed them to construct durable buildings that could withstand earthquakes. The precision with which these stones were shaped and assembled remains a testament to their engineering skills.


Could nuclear bomb destroy US?

There are currently no nuclear weapons big enough that just one could destroy the US. It is possible that enough of them could pretty much destroy our way of life for decades to come.


What were earthquakes a sign of in ancient china?

In ancient China, earthquakes were often interpreted as signs of divine displeasure or a warning from the heavens. They were viewed as omens that could indicate the need for political or moral reform, suggesting that the ruling dynasty had lost the Mandate of Heaven. Additionally, earthquakes were sometimes linked to the state of the natural world and the people's relationship with it, emphasizing the importance of harmony in governance and nature.


How was flint helpful to cavemen?

Because it was available, they could shape it, and it held an edge well enough to be useful.


Who did the vassals eventually become and how did they support themselves?

Vassals could receive more land from the lord and if they were rich enough, vassals could become a lord to other vassals. Feudalism could become confusing.

Related Questions

Could you have earthquakes in US?

yes


Did the Greeks blame Mars for earthquakes?

No, they did not. Poseidon was the one who could produce earthquakes. Also, they could not blame Mars, who was a Roman god.


Are there oceans near where earthquakes occur?

Earthquakes could occur anywhere--on land or in sea. If they occur in the ocean, then they could trigger a tsunami warning.


Could earthquakes occur underwater?

Yes, they do.


Could Wales have earthquakes?

yes but its not likely


Did earthquakes happen when dinosaurs were alive?

Yes, you could watch the earthquakes when were alive happening in the history channel.


Is England far away from Earthquakes?

Although England is not a hot spot for earthquakes, there could possibly be the occurrence of one there.


How could mountains be created and destroyed?

they can be created by earthquakes and erosion off of cliffs. they can be destroyed by erosion, earthquakes, and mining


What statement could explain why earthquakes are not a form of weather?

Weather happens in the sky, earthquakes happen under the ground.


Why don't moderate earthquakes decrease the chances of major quake in the same region?

Moderate earthquakes release stress along faults, reducing the buildup of pressure that could lead to a major quake. They can also help to stabilize the fault line. However, there is still a possibility that moderate earthquakes could trigger a major quake if the stress transfer is significant enough.


Why do the coastal regions surronding the pacific ocean have frequent earthquakes?

Because it could be by the plates that are active and have more frequent earthquakes.


How heavy is a 492 foot skyscraper?

The weight of a 492-foot skyscraper can vary significantly depending on its design, materials, and structural features. Generally, a typical skyscraper weighs between 100 to 300 pounds per square foot. Thus, a 492-foot skyscraper could weigh anywhere from several hundred to several thousand tons, depending on its total square footage and construction methods. For a more precise estimate, specific architectural details would be required.