How Do Buildings Stay Upright During Earthquakes?

Imagine you're on a swing. When the ground shakes, it's like someone pushes you gently, your swing moves with it and doesn't fall over. Buildings work the same way. Some are built to absorb the shake or even move slightly instead of breaking. Just like how buildings can be strong like trees in a storm.

Take the quiz →

Examples

A house with soft rubber pads under it sways gently during an earthquake instead of breaking apart.
A tall skyscraper moves back and forth like a tree in the wind when the ground shakes.
A toy building on a wobbly base stays upright even when you shake the table.

Ask a question

Discussion

Recent activity

Categories: Science · earthquake,engineering,architecture