Stupa structures apparently don't collapse in earthquakes. Engineers are studying a Nichiren stupa to figure out why:

A 30-meter high, five-story scarlet stupa graces the grounds of the Hokekyo Temple of the Buddhist Nichiren-sect in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. Built in 1622, is the only five-story stupa in Chiba and designated a "national cultural property."

This rare and important wooden structure has survived 400 years in Japan, a country rocked periodically in its long history by substantial earthquakes. It still gets visitors by worshipers.

...A Chiba University research team, headed by Engineering Professor Hirasawa, is untangling the secret of a historic stupa structure, using computer technology and mathematical analysis to create a 3D model.

Here's the link.