When an earthquake occurs, regardless of its magnitude, it can cause significant damage. Large quakes can result in loss of life and property, while smaller ones may lead to structural damage. This is why a group of engineers at Stanford University in the United States has developed a new method for constructing earthquake-resistant houses that is both easy to implement and cost-effective.
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The engineers constructed a two-story prototype house featuring a monolithic design, primarily using gypsum wall panels and a wooden frame. However, instead of using screws to attach the gypsum panels to the wooden frame, they utilized a strong adhesive and reinforced the façade of the house with a durable mesh.
What is particularly remarkable about this house is that it does not use a conventional foundation; instead, it is built on a “seismic isolation foundation,” which consists of 12 sliding rods made of steel and plastic, each with a diameter of approximately 11.4 cm. Beneath these rods are robust galvanized steel plates.
The prototype house underwent testing during a simulated earthquake of magnitude 6.9 on the Richter scale. The results showed that the house, resting on the seismic isolation foundation, slid smoothly from side to side without sustaining any damage. While the concept of seismic isolation is not new, the unique aspect of Stanford’s construction method lies in its affordability and ease of implementation.
According to the engineers, an earthquake-resistant house with an area of 185 square meters would cost approximately $15,000 (over 319 million VND).
Reference: Gizmag
