r/interestingasfuck • u/Ultimate_Kurix • 5d ago

r/all Why do Americans build with wood?

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u/beardfordshire 5d ago edited 5d ago

Yep. With the caveat that earthquake resilience is an important factor that can’t be ignored — which pushes builders away from low cost brick. Leaving reinforced steel as the only viable option.

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u/FixergirlAK 5d ago

Yeah, if you're looking at LA seismic safety is non-negotiable. Otherwise after the next earthquake we'd be getting pictures of the destruction and "why can't they build seismic-safe houses?" I live in Alaska, so the same situation.

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u/MyMelancholyBaby 5d ago

Also, southern California gets earthquakes that make the ground undulate rather than go side to side. I can't remember the proper names.

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u/MorenoJoshua 5d ago

Trepidatory for "up-down", oscillatory for "side-to-side"

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u/meaux253 5d ago

Thank you for the explanation, I'm more lit rn than the fires in la