Answer the following in your own words.

What are the specifications of an earthquake –proof building?

Earthquake-resistant structures are structures designed to protect buildings from earthquakes. While no structure can be entirely protected by damage from earthquakes, the goal of earthquake-resistant construction is to erect structures that survive better during seismic activity than their conventional counterparts. The constructions which do not get damaged due to earth movements up to a certain limit are called earthquake resistant buildings.

According to building codes (set of rules that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures), earthquake-resistant structures are intended to withstand the largest earthquake of a certain probability that is likely to occur at their location. This means the loss of life should be minimized by preventing collapse of the buildings for rare earthquakes while the loss of the functionality should be limited for more frequent ones.

For example: (1) In India, to construct tall buildings, ‘Indian Standard Institute’ has made some code of conduct. Buildings are constructed as per I.S. 456 and earthquake resistant constructions are performed as per IS 1893 (Criteria for earthquake resistant design of structure) and IS 13920 (Ductile detailing of reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic forces). This advanced technology is used for earthquake resistant construction to prevent loss of life and infrastructure.

(2) Also pyramids usually withstand earthquakes the best, and triangular shaped supports. This is due to the low number of sides creating a stronger shape. If you've ever seen San Francisco's Transamerica Building up close, you'll know that it's a tall pyramid with triangular supports at the bottom.