Earthquake Proof Structures and Seismic Retrofitting are the Requirements for Strong Buildings

Every one of us longs for a place to live which is safe and secure. Certainly, this is one of the aspects that are in most people’s minds when they are looking for new accommodation. Places which are strong and built Last even in severe conditions like an earthquake or major structural damage after a bomb blast, for example, are hard to build. But this is what is quickly becoming the standard, and you should also look for such housing complexes and projects.

Many regions around the world are located near faults and are prone to earthquakes. And in some places, small earthquakes are not surprising at all. That is why there are special building laws and other rules and regulations in place even before a housing project is started. But nowadays, even in the places which have not seen an earthquake in the last several hundred years, strict regulations are now in place to deal with any such a scenario in the future.

So, what are some of the features and options of such a place? And would you buy a condo in such a project, even if the price is relatively higher than you would find in any other place? Read on as I discuss these aspects in detail now. 

Earthquake Proof Projects and Structures 

Earthquake engineering is the discipline and a branch of engineering that deals with designs and analyzes structures to withstand earthquakes. In the initial days of earthquake engineering, the Emphasis was on skyscrapers and big complexes that can withstand minor earthquakes. This aspect is still considered when builders start super tall structures, but now earthquake engineering is a part of virtually every new Housing project too, and there is a good reason for it.

Earthquake proofing of a project is to save it from the devastating effects of earthquakes and secure society and the natural environment as a whole. The main aim is to make a structure that may not completely fall down or have considerable damage during an earthquake. There are many ways in which such architectural perfection can be applied, and that is why the cost of the project can shoot up considerably. 

Nowadays, design and construction are now focused on making structures to withstand seismic effects and get minimum damage. The structure must comply with local and international building codes and regulations. This is a big issue that cannot be as we have seen in the past, where buildings collapse like houses of cards and inflict severe damage to life and properties. That is why earthquake-proof structures will definitely become the norm, even if it is constructed on a small scale, like a condo complex consisting of 10-20 units.

Seismic Retrofitting 

Seismic retrofitting is the application of different processes and procedures so that a building can be made at quake proof. Or at least have major structural changes that can make it strong enough to withstand minor jolts. Seismic retrofitting has been applied to the building since the 1960s, but its use has risen tremendously during the last three decades. Now the process is renowned worldwide, and especially old buildings in Asian and South American countries are benefiting from this.

Seismic retrofitting Is also helpful in other natural disasters and severe weather conditions like tornadoes, typhoons, tropical cyclones, etc. The architecture of the building does not get affected but gets strengthened as a result. That is why current building owners thinking about some miracle to make their buildings work for several years can use seismic retrofitting to their advantage.

Over to You 

While I have tried to be general with the tone of this blog, the nature of the aspects mentioned here is somewhat technical. That is why I am sure some of my readers may like to ask some questions. So, do not be shy and speak your heart out. Of course, you can also share your experience or offer your valuable feedback too. 

Please use the comments section below for anything you want to discuss or share.