Are prefabricated houses with a timber load-bearing structure earthquake-resistant?

Prefabricated houses with a timber load-bearing structure have excellent earthquake resistance. Timber is thirteen times lighter than steel and four times lighter than concrete, and in combination with metal fasteners it ensures ductile behaviour of the structure under seismic loading.

A high level of reliability is ensured by exploiting the favourable properties of timber, the proper execution of details between the timber elements and their anchoring into the foundation slab.