Why Earthquake Resistant Structures Are Indispensable?

Earthquakes are the geological phenomena. Human has been terrified with this for ages due the vast trail of destruction it leaves behind taking thousands of lives and unlimited financial emotional loss. One of the major reasons to be fearful with these phenomena is that we know a little about the reason or the cause of the earthquake. It may be for a few minutes but it is sudden and unpredictable. Few minutes are sufficient for it to destroy whole city. In a city like Pune which is surrounded by dams can be at a disadvantage as it is a favorable condition for earthquakes. In past also we have experienced major and minor earthquakes in the state due to man made huge structures like dams. The dams actually disturb the balance on the surface resulting in vibrations.Earthquake can be defined as a sudden violent shaking of the ground caused by the movements within the earth’s crust. For hundreds of millions of years, the forces of plate tectonics have shaped the earth as the huge plate that form the surface of earth move slowly over, under and pass each other. This movement is gradual most of the times but sometimes when the plates are locked into each other and unable to move the plates break free causing the ground to shake. Most of the earthquakes occur where the plates meet but some occur in the middle of the plates.These earthquakes can cause massive vibrations in the earth’s crust. It can become a hazard to life and property on the surface. The effect depends on the geology of soil and topography of the land. The biggest hazard is caused by the seismic waves that reach to the surface where human build buildings big structures and bridges are standing. It can result in strong vibrations and violent shaking of the surface that can cause buildings and bridges to collapse.If we see the recent data, the 2010 Haiti earthquake killed 150000 people and destroyed the entire cities and villages. We cannot forget the massive earthquake in Gujarat on 26^th January that left us speechless. Designing an earthquake resistant structure is indispensable. It is imperative that structures should be designed to resist earthquake forces in order to reduce loss of lives.In most cases the resistance can be achieved by following some simple and inexpensive principles of good building construction practices. These rules can help in preventing life threatening collapses and irreparable losses.

1. The structure should be tough, able to deflect or deform a considerable amount.
2. Resisting elements such as bracing, shear walls must be provided evenly throughout the building in both directions as well as from top to bottom.
3. All elements should be tied together so as to act as an integrated unit (walls and roofs) and prevent separation.
4. Soft soils should be avoided. The foundation must be well tied together as well as tied to the wall.
5. All construction material used should be of good quality from iron rods, bricks to cement.
6. Layout and the design of the building structure should give due consideration to the earthquake resistance power and design accordingly.
7. The soil type should be considered. A firm soil has a bearing capacity of more than 10t per square meter, soft soil having bearing capacity equal or less than 10t per square meter while weak soils are liable to large settlement or liquefaction during an earthquake.
8. The building as a whole or its various blocks should be kept symmetrical about both the axes.
9. Simple rectangular shapes are better to cope with earthquakes.
10. Simplicity is best in building design while ornamentation can be dangerous from the seismic point of view.

These are some of the simple rules to be followed. Though no structure or design is hundred percent earthquake proof but the survival chances are greater in an earth quake resistant structure that can save thousands of lives and livelihoods. An earthquake resistant structure provides greater safety from earthquakes.- Ruchi Mahajan.займ на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн