Urban buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes through a combination of measures that include the following:
1. Strong structural systems: Buildings are designed with strong structural systems that can absorb the energy generated by an earthquake. They are constructed with reinforced concrete or steel frames which are designed to flex and bend without collapsing during an earthquake.
2. Base isolation: One of the critical ways to protect buildings from earthquakes is to use base isolation techniques. Base isolation systems are used to separate the building's foundation from the ground beneath it. This allows the building to move and sway independently of the ground movement, reducing the transfer of seismic energy into the structure.
3. Damping systems: Damping systems in buildings are designed to combat the shaking motion of an earthquake by using devices like shock absorbers, dampers or springs to absorb the energy generated by the earthquake, reducing the load on the structure of the building.
4. Balancing and weighting: To ensure the safety of high-rise buildings in an earthquake, architects must employ innovative ways to balance and weight skyscrapers so that they don't sway too much or topple over during an earthquake.
5. Regular detailed inspections: Regular detailed inspections of urban buildings are carried out to ensure the seismic safety of the structure. The building must be inspected by experienced structural engineers to check and renovate any cracks or weakness in the foundation, walls, floors, and roofs.
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