[SlowBoat407]

Perhaps we should build structures in earthquake zones like a stack of containers. Able to move a little, but not fall down.

Actually, I think that's the premise behind a lot of the construction in San Francisco and L.A. now - lots of "give" so the buildings sway in a quake. I think there are some buildings actually built on springs.

[GonzoGOP]

Actually, I think that's the premise behind a lot of the construction in San Francisco and L.A. now - lots of "give" so the buildings sway in a quake. I think there are some buildings actually built on springs.

Yes I've seen programs on that, however those methods, like connecting the columns and beams of a building with shock absorbers or building the whole structure on big rubber springs, are expensive. Fine if you live in San Francisco (or perhaps not with California's finances) but it sure isn't going to work in Haiti. But a stack of containers is cheap enough that you could provide decent housing for a lot of people quickly and within reasonable costs.

Of course they only survive natural disasters. Socialist economies will destroy any structure built by man, and I'm thinking caves might not do so well either.