You could try these sites:
http://www.appropedia.org/Earthquake_proofing_for_buildings
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/0112-earthquake_test_building_better_homes.htm
http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/bamboo-houses-stand-up-to-earthquakes.html
Russell Coight....outback legend
I read years and years ago....oh my I am now feeling very old 😉
...that the traditional (I think) Japanese temples were built around a central pole that went deep into the ground. Each floor of the building is built around this pole, but not attached to the pole or to the other floors. So in an earthquake they all basically slid over each other.
Just made this bodgey little picture to explain better than I can in words.
Apparently a lot of old buildings in Asia are built this way and that's why they are still standing today.
http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi1299.htm
Just looked this up and I was close in my description...memory faded over the years as to the details though 😀
Looks like the site has some other interesting stuff on it too.
I didn't check in any of the links of this was in there, but I've read that Earthbag houses are earthquake proof (as well as bullet proof, flood proof, fire proof, and wind proof 🙂 ). I'm on the West Coast and have been considering building one for myself.
