How to make earthquake resistant buildings in Dhaka? Importance and process of construction of earthquake resistant buildings
Recently, the issue of safety in building construction came into discussion after the huge casualties in the earthquake in Turkey.
A building’s ability to withstand an earthquake depends on several factors. They include structure, materials used and design. Also, the construction process plays an important role in building earthquake resistant buildings.
In earlier times buildings were constructed close to the ground. They did not reach much height. There was an opportunity to run into the open to prevent further damage. However, current high-rises are jam-packed close to each other. There is no alternative but to build earthquake resistant buildings. After all, the structure must withstand natural disasters.
The mere mention of an earthquake does not paint a positive picture in anyone’s mind. In fact, earthquakes are one of the most destructive forces. Seismic ground waves can easily kill people. Moreover, they destroy buildings and spend huge sums of money on repairs.
Engineers and architects are on a constant roll to come up with new technologies. There are several implementations for earthquake resistant structures. Let’s know more about earthquake resistant building construction.
How do earthquakes affect buildings?
In this blog we will understand the characteristics of earthquake resistant buildings. Moreover, we will see how to build earthquake resistant buildings. But first, let’s understand how earthquakes affect man-made structures. When an earthquake occurs, the force created by the earthquake moves through the ground and shakes it. The energy spreads out in all directions in short bursts.
Buildings are built to withstand vertical forces such as wind and rain. Unfortunately, they cannot handle the forces released by earthquakes.
Horizontal waves lead to vibrations. They affect the columns, walls, floors, connectors and beams of a building. A disparity comes in the movement up and down the building. Which puts extreme pressure on construction. Then, this further leads to rupture in the supporting frame. The building eventually collapsed. So earthquake resistant buildings are the need of the hour.
Can buildings really be earthquake proof?
No 100% earthquake resistant building exists anywhere in this world. Engineers and archaeologists are still trying to find something that is stronger than Earth. Scientifically-supported design processes capitalize on the knowledge we have gained about earthquakes. This knowledge has given us the ability to build earthquake resistant buildings. The effects of disasters like earthquakes can be handled quite well. Especially the construction of earthquake resistant buildings.
How to make earthquake resistant buildings?
The ability of buildings to withstand earthquakes depends on several factors. They include structure, materials used and design. Also, the construction process plays a role in building earthquake resistant buildings.
Structures that are typically designed to resist earthquake forces have a variety of basic configurations. These earthquake resistant structures are made of special materials and beams. This is to absorb the shockwaves of these earthquakes. The elements and beams of earthquake resistant buildings absorb these earthquake shockwaves. Also, earthquakes emit waves that strike buildings in a specific direction. So, the plan involves building earthquake-resistant buildings by pushing them in opposite directions.
Following are some ways to make earthquake resistant buildings:
Create a flexible foundation:
It is one of the ways to make earthquake resistant buildings. If you want to resist earthquake energy waves, climb the foundation of the building above the earth. This is done through a practice called base isolation.
Base isolation is a process that involves constructing earthquake resistant buildings on flexible pads. Moreover, such pads are usually made from rubber, steel and lead. So, when the foundation of the building moves during an earthquake, the isolators below it move. Meanwhile, the entire structure of the building remains stable.
The method is effective in absorbing seismic waves. This prevents them from traveling further up the building. So buildings are being made earthquake resistant structures.
Strengthen the structure of the construction:
There is another way to make earthquake resistant buildings. It strengthens their structure. To prevent crashes, structures must restructure the energy traveling through them during an earthquake. You can use cross braces and shear walls to construct earthquake resistant buildings. Moment-resisting frames, and diaphragms, are also important for strengthening a building.
Shear wall
Shear walls are effective building technology. They can help transfer shockwaves from earthquakes. They are made of multiple panels. They help the building maintain its shape during earthquakes. These walls are often supported by diagonal cross braces. These braces are made of steel. They hold tension and contraction. It helps resist shock and stress.
Diaphragm
Diaphragms are also a central part of the construction structure. Place roofs, decks and building sills on top of structures. It helps to get rid of tension from the floor. Along with this, it also helps to relieve tension in the vertical fabric of the building from push forces.
Building shields from vibrations
Another way to make buildings earthquake resistant is to redirect energy from earthquakes. The focus is not only on resisting the balance of forces. Researchers are trying to find ways that buildings can completely deflect and reroute the energy from shockwaves.
The method of making earthquake resistant structures is called Seismic Invisibility Cloak. The process includes 100 concrete rings and a cloak of concentric plastic. Then buried under the foundation of the building. Also, the seismic invisibility cloak needs to be at least three feet below the foundation.
There is an innovative idea behind the sheet. When seismic waves enter the ring, the ease of travel will force them to pass through the outer ring. As a result, the waves would move away from the building. Then, they will spread to the ground.
Earthquake resistant materials
It is important to construct earthquake resistant buildings using strong materials. They can help prevent shockwaves from disrupting the building’s structure. So, shock absorbers, pendulums and invisibility cloaks are important. They help redirect energy to the extent of the materials used to construct the building.
To build an earthquake-resistant structure, you need to seriously consider the materials used for construction. Below are the common materials used in the construction of earthquake resistant buildings.
Wood and Steel: For a material to resist vibration and tension, it needs to have high ductility. This means that it has the ability to withstand large deformations and stresses. Modern constructions are often constructed of structural steel. It is a material that comes in many forms. Structural steel allows buildings to bend without breaking. Also, wood is a relatively flexible material. This is because of its high energy. Also, it has a light texture.
Innovative Materials: Scientists are developing new materials that have greater ability to hold their shape. New innovations such as shape memory alloys have arrived. Shape memory alloy has the strength to withstand extreme tension. Moreover, it returns to its original shape.
Fiber-reinforced plastic wraps are made of numerous polymers. They can be wrapped around building columns. It offers 38% of its core strength with flexibility.
All in all, it is very necessary to have earthquake resistant buildings in Bangladesh. Such structures can ensure complete safety for you and your loved ones.