The types of building you should build to withstand earthquakes:

To withstand earthquakes, you should build seismically resilient structures that are flexible, strong, and capable of absorbing and dissipating energy. Here are the most effective types of earthquake-resistant buildings:

1. Base-Isolated Buildings

How it works: The building is placed on flexible bearings or sliders (base isolators) that absorb seismic shock.

Best for: Hospitals, historic buildings, critical infrastructure.

2. Reinforced Concrete or Steel Frame Structures

Why: Strong vertical and horizontal elements (beams and columns) can resist lateral forces.

Important features: Shear walls, moment-resisting frames, and cross-bracing.

3. Wood Frame Structures (for small buildings)

Why: Wood is lightweight and flexible, making it naturally resilient to shaking.

Ideal for: Low-rise homes, especially in suburban areas.

4. Diagrid or Triangular Braced Structures

Why: Triangle shapes provide superior strength and stability under stress.

Used in: High-rises in seismic zones (e.g., The Hearst Tower in New York).

5. Damping-Enhanced Skyscrapers

Feature: Tuned mass dampers or viscous dampers absorb building sway.

Example: Taipei 101 uses a massive pendulum for this purpose.

THE END