Seismic-Safe, But at What Cost?
Seismic-safe buildings save lives and reduce damage. Despite these benefits, the technologies have drawbacks. Seismic-safe features, such as cross braces, may reduce the amount of usable space in a building. It is also expensive to add theses features to an existing building. Communities must make trade-offs between the benefits and the costs of seismic-safe buildings.
How do cities establish building codes and decide how much money can be spent on seismic-safe construction? Where do you think the most emphasis and funding should be focused?
For more information see the following websites:
CA Seismic Building Codes
Earthquake-building-codes-california
Build-earthquake-resistant-housing
