Case Study ZONNEVELD INGENIEURSIt goes without saying that nobody likes earthquakes. The ground shakes, structures topple, and people get hurt. Interestingly enough, a growing number of these events are caused by, or at least related to, human activities. The construction of buildings on soft, unstable land or near known geological faults are two examples, as are induced earthquakes that arise due to the extraction of oil and gas. ENGINEERING FOR THE WORST Fortunately, humans are able to reduce and, in some cases, eliminate the negative effects of earthquakes, whatever their cause. By isolating a building from the surrounding earth, reinforcing the walls and foundation and then placing the entire structure atop a complex series of springs or sliders, it is possible to keep our

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