After the violent earthquake that shook Los Angeles in 1994, earthquake scientists had good news to report: The damage and death toll (死亡人数) could have been much worse. More than 60 people died in this earthquake. By comparison, an earthquake of similar (47) that shook America in 1998 claimed 25 000 victims.
Injuries and deaths were (48) less in Los Angeles because the quake occurred at 4:31 a.m. on a holiday, when traffic was light on the city’s highway. In addition, (49) made to the construction codes in Los Angeles during the last 20 years have strengthened the city’s buildings and highways, them more (50) to quakes.
In the past, structures quake-resistant meant firm yet (51) materials, such as steel and wood that bend without breaking. Later, people tried to lift a building off its foundation, and insert rubber and steel between the building and its foundation to (52) the impact of ground vibrations. The most (53) designs give buildings brains as well as concrete and steel supports, called smart buildings, the structures respond like living organisms to an earthquake’s vibrations. When ground shakes and the building tips forward, the computer would (54) the building to shift in the opposite direction. The new designs should offer even greater (55) to cities where earthquakes often take place.
The new smart structures could be very. (56) to build. However, they would save many lives and would be less likely to be damaged during earthquakes.
Word Bank
A. changes B. flexible C. decrease
D. recent E. push F. reduce
G. relatively H) safety I) resistant
J) expensive K) force L) accordingly
M) intensity N) security O) opposed