Final answer:
Buildings can be retrofitted to withstand earthquakes through base isolation systems, energy dissipation devices like tuned-mass dampers, strengthening frames with ductile materials, and reinforcing roofs to prevent resonance. The use of advanced manufacturing and testing labs is also integral for building safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Earthquakes can cause resonance and standing waves in buildings, which may lead to structural failures. To mitigate such risks, buildings can be retrofitted to withstand strong ground shaking. This process involves several measures:
- Implementing base isolation systems that decouple the building from ground movements, employing elements like bearings or sliders to reduce the energy transfer from the ground to the structure.
- Adding energy dissipation devices such as dampers, which absorb seismic energy and reduce resonant oscillations. The Comcast Building's tuned-mass damper is an example of such a device where a large water tank at the top of the building counteracts oscillations by moving out of phase with the building's movements.
- Strengthening the building's frame with materials that possess greater ductility and can absorb deformation without failure.
- Enhancing the integrity of roofs, especially for large open-spaces like gymnasiums, by adding structural reinforcement to prevent resonance at the earthquake frequencies.
These retrofitting techniques, along with the use of computer-aided manufacturing and testing labs, are crucial for safeguarding buildings in earthquake-prone areas.