Final answer:
The roofs of gymnasiums and churches may fail more than family homes during an earthquake due to factors such as their design and construction, lack of seismic retrofitting, and poor maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why roofs of gymnasiums and churches seem to fail more than family homes during an earthquake could be attributed to several factors:
- Design and construction: Gymnasiums and churches are often larger and taller structures with more complex architectural designs, which can make them more vulnerable to the forces of an earthquake. The design and construction of roofs in these buildings may not be able to withstand the shaking and vibrations caused by an earthquake.
- Lack of seismic retrofitting: Family homes are often built with earthquake-resistant features or may have undergone seismic retrofitting to improve their structural integrity. However, older gymnasiums and churches may not have been designed or retrofitted with such measures, making them more susceptible to damage during an earthquake.
- Poor maintenance: Roofs are subjected to wear and tear over time, and if regular maintenance is not performed, they may become weakened or compromised. Churches and gyms may not receive the same level of maintenance as family homes, which can further contribute to the failure of roofs during an earthquake.