Taka-Okami wrote:Have to disagree with Rooboy. From what I've seen of housing construction in both countries (Aus and Japan), it's a fact that Japan has substantially more bracing using thicker beams and excellence in design in standard houses than Aus. Since 1986 Japan has been building to very high structural standards by law. If we ever get more than a 5 earthquake here in Oz, we're fucked.
I can find plenty of hovels for you to have a look at Rooboy!
Can't comment on Aus. construction but no doubt that some of the steel sheds here in Japan can probably withstand a 10.0....which is nice and works great as a commercial building...but I sure as hell wouldn't want to live in one.
I wish I took more pics of my friend's house that I stayed at my first year I moved here. Really basic model home, no more than 20 years old and the whole thing had tilted. Haven't been there since 3/11 but back when I stayed there, the doors had to be forced closed as the frames tilted with the house, and the lean could be seen throughout the whole house. Shit was pretty unbelievable but according to my friend, the builder couldn't be held accountable. (and we all know how useless insurance is here)