I was interested in the discussion about earthquake resistant buildings as a person who has never lived in a region that earthquake-prone. I did not know that there is lingering damage in Los Angeles from the 1989 and 1994 earthquakes that is still a problem today or that once earthquake proof buildings experience an earthquake they are no longer as resistant to subsequent earthquakes. In retrospect this makes sense because these buildings are made with breakable materials that do not heal over time, but I had never thought about it before seeing the interview. I can imagine that rebuilding buildings in large areas is an expensive and labor-intensive undertaking, so I wonder what practical and affordable steps can be taken in earthquake-prone areas to help rebuild buildings to their original earthquake-proof status after a major seismic event.
Hi Cici,
I’ve also never lived in a region that has earthquakes so I was also interested to learn about earthquake resistant buildings. I wonder if people will be able to develop buildings that can resist more than one earthquake in the future. As you mentioned, it is likely expensive and burdensome to rebuild large areas. It would help if researchers developed materials that could resist even two, as opposed to one, earthquake. I also wonder if there are any products that could help protect a building against an earthquake that don’t require rebuilding.
Emily