Why are doorframes safe places to be during an earthquake? I heard this a lot while growing up but I don't remember why this is.
2007-10-30 19:07:43 · 7 answers · asked by tangman30 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Because it's a sturdy part of the structure and less likely to completely collapse on you.
2007-10-30 19:13:03 · answer #1 · answered by The Man In The Box 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's because you can get out of the house and run as soon as the earthquake's done (j/k). But, seriously, I just run to the door as soon as I feel one. What an awful feeling: there's an earthquake at least once a month here on GU! Last week there were two on the same week (Thu & Sun). omg :S
2007-10-31 02:24:34 · answer #2 · answered by scarlett 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No expert, but here're my thoughts:
The walls to either side of you will resist vertical compression more than the thin air in the middle of a room. On top of that, the studs that form the sides of door frames are usually thicker than studs in the middle of walls. Also, it's harder for something to fall on your head if a door frame is more-or-less directly above you.
2007-10-31 02:30:03 · answer #3 · answered by RareOne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Inner walls or door frames are the least likely to collapse and may also shield against falling objects. ~ CDC
They are constructed to be weight or load bearing.
2007-10-31 02:18:56 · answer #4 · answered by Clovie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a larger beam inside the wall above door frames.
This makes it safer, if anything falls from above it would have to break that beam before it could get to you.
2007-10-31 02:15:24 · answer #5 · answered by mikesmailus 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
supposedly because they have more framing and structure to them but I dont see the safety on that
2007-10-31 02:12:32 · answer #6 · answered by jennyessj14 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Because they are sturdier and reinforced.
2007-10-31 02:24:11 · answer #7 · answered by Frosty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋