Final answer:
Walls protecting against seismic and wind forces are constructed using materials like masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel, and wood framing. Prefabrication with computer-aided machines has improved the resilience of these materials. Testing for earthquake and wind stability further ensures the safety and durability of such walls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Walls designed to protect structures from seismic and wind forces can be made from a variety of materials, including masonry, concrete, cold-formed steel, and wood framing. These materials have evolved over time, from ancient construction practices to modern design and fabrication. In the past, communities used rammed earth and stone to create sturdy walls, with the model of rammed earth construction even being applied to the early sections of the Great Wall of China. As time progressed, materials like stone, brick, and wood were stacked to form construction systems such as the post and lintel, seen in the Palace of Karnak. Today, advancements in technology allow materials to be prefabricated with computer-aided machines, improving accuracy and resilience against natural disasters. This progression shows how building materials and techniques have developed to meet the needs of evolving societies and the demand for safer, more stable structures in urban environments.
While the ancient world relied heavily on locally sourced materials and simple construction techniques, the modern era benefits from engineered solutions like testing labs for earthquake and wind stability, which contribute to the design of safer buildings. Earthquakes, winds, and other factors such as hydrostatic pressure and the availability of local building materials continue to influence construction practices and the choice of materials for wall design, much as they did in ancient times.
In modern construction, the selection of building materials also reflects an awareness of the environmental conditions and respective challenges posed by natural forces. Cold-formed steel and concrete, for example, are favored in seismic areas due to their strength and durability, while wood framing, which is lighter, may be preferred in regions with less seismic activity but has to be treated to resist wind forces and other environmental impacts.