How do earthquake-resistant buildings stay standing during strong shaking?

Earthquake engineering works by controlling how a structure responds to ground motion. Base isolators can decouple a building from the ground so it moves less violently, while dampers absorb energy like shock absorbers in a car. Reinforced concrete, steel frames, and cross-bracing help buildings resist twisting and sway. Modern codes in places such as Japan, Chile, and California are based on lessons from destructive earthquakes. No building is completely earthquake-proof, but good engineering can greatly reduce casualties and collapse.