Engineers Find Their Wood Not Strong Enough
Structural engineers are fueling earthquake safety with a new design using screws, steel frames, and corrugated steel. These metal walls are three times stronger than wooden ones. Moreover, using metal may reduce construction costs by ten percent.
Berkeley is situated on the Hayward Fault, a branch of the San Andreas. No large earthquake has hit Berkeley, but scientists say that an earthquake of 6.5+ will occur in the near future. Houses and other buildings that are not retrofitted or earthquake-prepared may not withstand the power of the imminent quake.
So I’m glad that those brainy engineers finally realized that steel is stronger than wood. That’s innovation right there. I was all up for building a twig and straw house, but then I read The Three Little Pigs last night.
I can’t wait to see some blue steel erected. I think their wood is getting a little old and tired if you know what I mean.
The point is not just that it’s stronger than wood, but that it will bend without breaking. Concrete bricks, for instance, might seem stronger than wood, but they don’t stand up to earthquakes very well. However, concrete bricks are good if it’s hurricanes you’re worried about.
Comment by ed — November 21, 2006 @ 5:40 pm
Scientists have been “predicting” earthquakes in Berkeley forever. The fact is, as much as earthquakes have been studied, we still have no proven way to predict when or where they will take place. Let’s just build what we need to build, make it as earthquake-proof as possible, and move on. Enough hand wringing, for goodness sake.
Comment by DHammett — November 22, 2006 @ 11:50 am
I like your style, Christine.
Comment by Anonymous — November 23, 2006 @ 11:25 pm