Earthquake Proof Buildings

earthquake proof buildings
There’s no such thing as buildings that are unquestionably earthquake proof since it’s hard to pin down the maximum amount of force an earthquake could exert. There are definitely earthquake-resistant buildings though which will give you the best chance at making it through unscathed.
Quonset Hut buildings are able to withstand the majority of earthquakes though and are resistant to their effects. Their arch shape and self-supporting steel arches are ideal for battling seismic forces.

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Engineered for the Strength You Need

quonset hut barn An interesting thing about quonset hut buildings is that they’re engineered buildings. Typically that means engineered will look at the building codes for your municipality and gauge the thickness of the steel for your loads (snow, wind, rain, etc.). If you’re looking for the most durable building possible, however, you can speak with the engineers about increasing the thickness of steel used for your quonset hut.

No Reliance on Rigid Internal Framing

quonset hut arch Surprisingly, it’s not usually the most rigid building that lasts in an earthquake. Instead of staying rigid and taking the full force of an impact, it’s better to have a building that can flex and “roll with the punches” so to speak.

Quonset huts are earthquake resistant because they have a shape that is made up of arches that have a natural flex if you put enough force on them. These arches provide their own support without external supports from walls or columns, meaning the load-bearing stresses are distributed throughout the entire structure. The open design reduces stress on any one area by replacing a rigid internal frame with the earthquake-resistant steel arch.

Buildings that are Earthquake Proof Need to Deal with Falling Debris

In the event of an earthquake, you want to ensure you can handle the impact of falling debris from buildings, trees, etc. as well as the earth-shaking below you.

Quonsets are made of Arches. Arches have been used as a form of architectural support for centuries and come in many different shapes, sizes, materials and configurations. An arch is more resistant to weight falling on it since the pressure is transferred down the arch and distributed throughout the entire structure.

What Sizes do “Earthquake Proof Buildings” Come in?

quonset hut hangar Quonset huts come in many different sizes and can be made according to the client’s needs. Typically widths start at 20 feet and go up to 100 feet wide. Lengths start at 20 and go up in increments of 2 feet.

Can you Bury a Quonset Hut?

Yes, you can bury a Quonset hut. Some people choose to do an underground “bunker” of sorts for maximum strength and stealth. Buried quonsets require a bit more engineering factored in however and they will need to know the type and weight of material being used to cover the structure.

How to Build a Quonset Hut

Quonset huts are not complicated to make since the arches come pre-cut and ready to be bolted together on site. Your building should come with a manual as well as personal support from the rep you’re dealing with, or their factory.

In Conclusion

large storage quonset hutEarthquake-proof buildings don’t exist. But there are earthquake resistant buildings that can help you get through an earthquake with fewer worries about the safety of your property or family members. Quonset huts offer a unique shape, made up of arches for support and durability against earthquake forces, which makes them even more earthquake-resistant than other earthquake-resistant buildings. Quonset huts come in many different sizes and shapes, making it easy to find a design that suits your needs whether you’re looking for something small or big. Price Buildings can help you find the right solution for your needs at the right price!

Additional Resources

Earthquake Strengths – https://geokansas.ku.edu/measuring-earthquake-magnitude-and-intensity

American Earthquake Building Codes – https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/building-science/building-codes/earthquakes

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