NEW APPROACHES TO THE DESIGN OF EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT STRUCTURES

Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural hazards, responsible for significant loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption. As urban areas expand and infrastructures become more complex, traditional design methods for earthquake resistance are no longer sufficient. This paper reviews modern and innovative approaches to the design of earthquake-resistant structures, emphasizing performance-based seismic design (PBSD), base isolation, energy dissipation systems, and the use of smart materials. Furthermore, the integration of digital technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized structural engineering practices, allowing real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance. Case studies from Japan, New Zealand, and the United States demonstrate that combining advanced materials and digital design tools can significantly increase resilience and sustainability. The paper concludes by outlining challenges and future directions for developing intelligent, adaptive, and environmentally responsible earthquake-resistant structures.