How does cast iron’s brittleness limit its use in earthquake-prone regions?
Cast iron, known for its durability and heat retention, has a critical weakness: brittleness. In earthquake-prone regions, this property becomes a major limitation. Unlike ductile materials that bend under stress, cast iron fractures easily when subjected to sudden impacts or seismic forces. Earthquakes generate dynamic, unpredictable loads, causing brittle materials like cast iron to crack or shatter without warning. This makes it unsuitable for structural applications such as beams, columns, or pipelines in seismic zones. Engineers prefer materials like steel or reinforced concrete, which offer better flexibility and energy absorption during tremors. While cast iron is still used in non-structural components, its brittleness remains a significant drawback in high-risk earthquake areas.
