An architect is designing an office building in an area that can experience earthquakes. Which component would it be most important to strengthen in order to allow the building to withstand the additional forces exerted during an earthquake?
A) the windows
B) the electrical system
C) the foundation
D) the doors
C) the foundation
C) the foundation
The most important component to strengthen in order to allow a building to withstand the additional forces exerted during an earthquake is the foundation. The foundation is responsible for transferring the loads of the building to the ground and providing stability. Strengthening the foundation can involve techniques such as using reinforced concrete or deep foundation systems to improve its ability to resist lateral forces and prevent collapse during an earthquake.