4 ms·
Just out of interest for the layman, is there anything a non-expert like myself can examine on a building to assess its 'survivability' during an earthquake?
by mrlonglong 4y ago
Just out of interest for the layman, is there anything a non-expert like myself can examine on a building to assess its 'survivability' during an earthquake?
- ajross 4y agoThe examples in the linked article are reinforced concrete structure that were missing their steel reinforcement. So... no, not really, unless you have an xray setup or whatever. This is precisely why we have building codes and certified inspectors to sign off on construction projects.
- ansgri 4y agoWhile x-ray is not accessible, for this specific risk one could use some cheap induction-based metal detector to spot-check the presence of rebar within walls.
- myself248 4y agoIs it more than 1 story? Then run, don't walk, away. Don't do tall buildings in seismic zones without the benefit of an incredible amount of engineering practice, inspections, audits, and enforcement. If you suspect the locals are corrupt, your safest place during an earthquake is a straw hut or reasonable facsimile thereof.
- dotancohen 4y agoJapanese and Taiwanese buildings taller than a single story seem to fare fine.
- Loughla 4y agoI'm assuming that is answered mostly by the second paragraph OP wrote that you seemed to miss: >[. . .] without the benefit of an incredible amount of engineering practice, inspections, audits, and enforcement.