In Pakistan we saw many homes destroyed due to the Large Earthquake and we will see more of this in the future in many countries no doubt. But it really does not have to be this way because we can build even mud huts, adobe houses and homes built with the simplest of materials better and stronger.
We need to help in building stronger and better homes even if they are built of cheap materials and not up to proper building codes. How so you ask? Well there are ways to bond material, elements and adhesives into the mud huts and adobe style houses to make them stronger and more survivable in a large Earthquake.
Meanwhile in using some of these high-tech techniques we may be able re-build faster and accelerate the process to get the people back into their homes. It is essential in places with older mud huts to strengthen these homes when they are in Earthquake zones. I propose using lasers to superheat the materials and add in combinations into the mud mix when building to strengthen the walls and make them more stone like and survivable.
The lasers would cause the various minerals, elements, materials and adhesive strips to literally mold the material into one solid piece and also depending on the types of the mix of materials it could take on some flexibility attributes to further protect the occupants during a big shake. Consider this in 2006.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/