What are the different ways to increase the strength of a structure?

I think this will provide the basic strength to the entire structure. When the foundation is deep, wide & strong then definitely the whole structure will become strong.

The design of residential buildings are more or less stabilized.However, a lot more  is required to develop fire proof structures and certain design  criteria to be incorporated to construct the building earth quake compliant.

A good structural design taking into consideration all possible seismic and other extra loads in a particular location and load condition is an essential pre requisite for a strong structure.

The disaster preparedness, especially seismic resistance of a structure often depends on many factors.  

1. How well braced the various components of the structure are - from the foundation to roof vertically and from one end to the other horizontally. This bracing depends on the detail of the connections between the frame and the walls as well the the detail of reinforcements at the opening sides. Proper detailing at these locations ensure that the structure behaves as one unit in the event of a catastrophe.
2. Design of the joints of the members of the structural frame - especially in between the columns & beams. If these joints are desined for some flexibility, to accomodate some movement and deformation, the damages in the event of an earthquake can be localised, so that the progressive collapse of a structure can be arrested.
3. Reduded dead weight of the structure and an enhanced strength to weight ratio.  

The walls of the building should be thick & strong. They should be strong enough to provide a good defense from outside dangers. They shouldn't collapse while facing sudden tremors or high velocity winds...

there are different way to increase the strength, 1) Use of good construction material 2)Proper structural Design 3) Proper design Mix 4) CareFul supervision at site 5) study on each and every propertirs of material using the same. 6) Will power to Carry Out the Good quality of work.

Different components of structures have different strength requirements. When structures are designed useful life or expected life of structures is kept in mind. On the other hand factor of saftery is adopted for design of structural members. When structures are designed to be earthquake proof different factors are adopted depending upon use and importance of structures, like assemebly structures and schools have higher factor of saftey in terms of importance factor.In view of the above  idea of increasing the strength will depend upon type of structure we are building and type of its use. Factors as suggested can add to stength or life of structures. Some members have suggested plinth protection as a measure of improvement of strength of structures. As word suggests it is prtotection measure and increases the life of structrure as it avoids seepage of water into foundations. Use of high strength steels and high grades of concrete mixes will not necessarily increase the strength of structures rather it will incur wasteful expendtiure  by designing oversafe designs. Only a structural designer can decide what grade of steel and cement shall be used and proper quality control shall be exercised at site to get adequate strength.

The structure load also can be transfered by shallow foundations by increasing the soil SBC

Geo investigation parameter is quite negligible area, it should be strictly monitored as well as quality control should take major representation ,not only on paper but actual.Material condition also play an important role in strength poit of view.

I think this is the main things which gives good strength of any structure..

The main reason which weaken the structure is the corrosion of steel. We should provide proper cover to all reinfircement, even to the Stirrups and rings.No sooner the steel is rusted, we can observe the cracks in the RCC structure resulting in the weakenin of the structures as a whole.    There are various methods to avoid the rusting of these steel. We can use coated steel bars and most advance method which are used nowadays is ccathode protection for the steel bars. Thanx

Use certified raw material only to increase the strength of structure.

FOR BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOLLOWING SHOULD BE CONSIDERD :-

1.GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITION I.E.TYPE OF BASE AVAILABLE.

2.WEATER CONDITIONS ARE ALSO CONSIDERED FOR WIND PRESSURE , AVERAGE,RAIN FALL IN THE AREA AND OTHER RELATED CONDITIONS.

3.TYPE OF BUILDING THAT IS HEIGHT,NO OF FLOORS , NO OF RESIDENTS ETC ARE ALSO CONSIDERD.

4 A GOOD DESIGNER IS THEN REQUIRED FOR THIS , HE MAY SOLVE YOUR PURPOSE.

5.LOAD CONSIDERATION IS ALSO TO BE CONSIDERD .

6.AVAILABLE FINANCIAL FACTOR IS ALSO TO BE CONSIDRED.

PRAGYA JI THANKS FOR THE INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE.

Major drawback is unrealistic pressure to complete the project within/before time & this approach leads the tendencies to skip/avoid the specifications on ground. Also, Be aware of inexperience designer.