In earthquake-prone regions, how does building orientation influence structural stability?
- AAligning the building perpendicular to fault lines reduces damageCorrect
- BOrienting the building parallel to prevailing winds minimizes lateral forces
- CRotating the structure 30° from cardinal directions reduces seismic amplification
- DThe orientation has no significant effect on earthquake resistance
Solution
Concept
Orientation and earthquakes
Step-by-step solution
1. The key accepts aligning the building perpendicular to fault lines.
Explanation
The key gives option A.
Why the other options are wrong
Orientation relative to winds or cardinal directions is not what reduces seismic damage.
Correct answer: A) Aligning the building perpendicular to fault lines reduces damage