Earthquakes - avoidable disasters

• Published in: Impact of science on society 1966-01, Vol.16 (3), p.189
• Main Author: ALBE, E. M. FOURNIER D'
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0019-2872

One fact has emerged clearly from the experience of earth-quakes in recent years: it is that buildings and public works, designed specifically to resist seismic forces in accordance with principles already established, and constructed on adequate foundations with care for the quality of the materials employed, have successfully resisted stresses equal to the maximum likely to be experienced in the most violent earthquake. In principle, therefore, it is possible to avoid damage and loss of life by earthquakes, provided that appropriate building codes and practices are strictly observed in areas subject to these phenomena. However, much still remains to be done towards delimiting seismic danger zones and adapting the known principles of anti-seismic design to the use of local materials under various economic and social conditions. Until earthquake-resistant construction becomes the normal practice in seismic zones, disasters will continue to occur and there is considerable scope for international co-operation and action to assist those afflicted in dealing with the technical problems created by such disasters.