E-Mail IMAGE: Schematic representation of the conventional piled raft and novel composite foundation with geosynthetics reinforced interposed layer for buildings sitting on deep pile foundations. view more Credit: Habib Rasouli, Behzad Fatahi Surface rupturing during earthquakes is a significant risk to any structure that is built across a fault zone that may be active, in addition to any risk from ground shaking. Surface rupture can affect large areas of land, and it can damage all structures in the vicinity of the fracture. Although current seismic codes restrict the construction in the vicinity of active tectonic faults, finding the exact location of fault outcrop is often difficult.