10 Less Known Facts About Earthquake Protection of Buildings
1. Earthquake Resistant design as per
Indian Seismic Code is the Minimum permissible earthquake protection to be
followed. The Indian Code gives the freedom to users to design to higher levels
of protection.
2. When someone advertises that a
building has been constructed to Earthquake Resistant specification it means
that they have followed the Minimum Permissible Safety Standards.
3. Earthquake Resistant buildings in
India whether Zone III, IV or V are designed for Collapse Prevention. The
minimum standards being followed in rest of the world is Life Safety. This is
higher than what is being followed in
4. In India,
buildings are so designed so as to prevent a Total Building Collapse, however
there maybe loss of life due to falling masonry walls etc. An Earthquake
Resistant building will sustain extensive Structural Damage during a major
Earthquake.
5. After the Earthquake the
owner/user will have no option but to demolish and re-construct the building.
6. Life Safety design i.e. minimum
design being followed in most countries except
7. Higher levels of Earthquake
Protection can be achieved by using Seismic Dampers. By using suitable dampers
the buildings can even be made nearly Earthquake Proof. Building will not
suffer structural damage even in case of major earthquake (Immediate Occupancy
Standard).
8. Seismic Dampers absorb the
Earthquake Energy just like a Shock Absorber. This ensures that the building
does not get damaged.
9. Dampers increase the building cost
marginally by approximately Rupees (Indian) 150-200 per square foot. Premier
buildings in Seismically active regions are built
incorporating dampers.
10. Dampers come with a performance
Guarantee of 35 years. Even existing buildings can be upgraded by installing
Dampers.