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.