How can we make buildings more earthquake resistant:-

Flexibilty:- one of the most crucial physical feature of earthquake resistant

buildings and structures is flexibility.Buildings and their foundations need to
be built to defy side to side movement. A solid or rather ragid structure will
fall apart during the sideways movement caused by an earthquake. Taller
buildings are naturally more flexible than low rise buildings or structures,
thts because low rise structures need better support to withstand the forces
of an earthquake.
Lighter materials:- It is also crucial that building materials used should be of
light weight material. They can significantly help reduce the amount of
damage caused during an earthquake.Alternatively wood and steel are
better than unreinforced concrete, masonry because such materials have
greater flexibility. The lighter the building is, the less the load. This is
essential especially when the weight is concentrated in the higher up floors,
walls, and partitions should also be made of light weight material.

Reinforced walls, Beams and Trusses:- Walls should also be strong

enough to take the swaying load of an earthquake. The walls must sway
and go equally in both directions. Incidentally, strateiecally placed beams
and trusses should help transfer the effects of the sway to the base and
surrounding areas. They must not fall apart and must remain in place to
withstand the after shocks of an earthquake. Reinforced beams and joints
can also help prevent deformity and collapse of buildings during
earthquake.

Proportion is key:- Generally it is never wise to build buildings that are too
high compared to their width. The width and height of the building should
be proportional unless special precautions are taken.
Planned failure:- Some structures and buildings are designed to fail in an
intentional planned way. In the event of an earthquake, these planned flaws
allow for protection of interior spaces where the occupants are likely to be
situated. These buildings and structures are also designed to lessen the
amount of debris that might fall in nearby buildings and surroundings.
Soil types can also limit damage brought about by an earthquake:- soft
soils contain a high amount of moisture and are more capable of creating
more damage to buildings and structures than those built on more solid
ground or surroundings. Living on soft soil can amplify the earthquake
motions, this is due to the fact that energy passes through less dense
material or substance , in this case, the soil. Reinforcing additional solid
bricks in the soil to make the foundation denser greatly reduces the
possibility of damage to buildings and structures.