Earthquakes, Earthquake Engineering, and Seismic Design

Earthquakes don't kill people — falling buildings do. These photos and resources from our Guide to Geology explore ways the science of earthquake engineering protects buildings and saves lives.

In late 1997, the National Science Foundation in the United States funded three institutions devoted to earthquake safety, in California, Illinois, and New York. Our Guide to Geology explains what these organizations do.

No structure can withstand the powerful force of a major quake, but for communities on fault lines, monolithic domes are becoming a prudent choice. Just as these concrete shell buildings can withstand tornadoes and hurricane force winds, they appear to provide remarkable strength during earthquakes.

An introduction to the concepts and principles of seismic design, including strategies for designing earthquake-resistant buildings, from the National Institute of Building Sciences.

In a series of engineering trials, earthquake researchers built a whole house on giant shaker tables, then replayed the 1995 Northridge earthquake on them to see what breaks. Learn more, and find links to the full report from <i>Science News</i>.

Learn about the earthquake damage at the Haiti National Palace, or Presidential Palace, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

The earthquake of January 2010 destroyed most of the major churches and seminaries in Port-au-Prince, including the Victorian era Port-au-Prince Cathdral.

USGS article on monitoring structures during an earthquake in order to improve design standards. Links to other publications and fact sheets.

Home page for the National Information Service for Earthquake Engineering, sponsored by the National Science Foundation and the University of California, Berkeley. You'll find abstracts, reports, and more.

Consortium of Universities for Research in Earthquake Engineering (CUREE) conducts earthquake research ranging from on-site testing, evaluation of quake damage, and building codes.

This project examines the impact of earthquakes on the highway system as a whole.

Impacts of earthquakes on buildings based on structure type.

Ten largest earthquakes of the 20th century.

Organization that seeks the reduction of earthquake damage and losses through research, development and application of new knowledge and advanced technologies.

Includes research papers, strong motion database, and seminars.

Includes research, education, largest quakes, and frequently asked questions.