Question

In considering the impact on buildings, we generally think of earthquakes as having a greater direct effect on a building that has a short period of vibration. What size and type of building would generally have a short period of vibration?

Answer

Buildings short in height and constructed with stiff lateral resistive systems, such as a shear wall system, tend to have a short period of vibration. These types of building tend to oscillate rapidly during an earthquake, sometimes causing structural damage. Taller buildings tend to be relatively more flexible and have longer periods of vibration, and so can often absorb and dampen energy exerted in an earthquake.