Quake buildings safety

SHILLONG, APR 27: East Khasi hills deputy commissioner P Dkhar, who is also the chairman of District Disaster Management Authority, has issued advisory to building owners to consult architect/engineer for planning, designing and constructing their building for the general safety during earthquake.

Dkhar reminded that Meghalaya falls in Zone V of the Seismic Zonation Map of India. Zone V is characterized by area which has highest vulnerability to earthquakes. He said Meghalaya has a history of being hit by high magnitude earthquakes and, therefore,  one needs to ensure that planning norms and codal regulations are strictly followed for structural design as laid down in Meghalaya Building Bye Laws, 2011.

Dkhar informed that this is part of preparedness measure and felt citizens are advised to always consult an architect/engineer for planning and designing of any building. He also said to ensure safety, use of branded IS marked steel bars and branded cement is recommended. He said, “Care should also be taken while casting structural RCC elements especially in the intersection of beam and columns.”

Dkhar said that building projections such as cantilevered slabs and pergolas should be constructed only as per design of engineers/architects as they are highly vulnerable to structural failure during an earthquake. He said, “Care should be taken while designing and embedding non-structural components such as glass panel, claddings, parapet walls, chimneys, book shelves, etc, to prevent collapse during an earthquake.”

Dkhar said in case of existing and old buildings, the owners may get their building examined by architect/engineer to determine the structural safety keeping in view of codal requirements for Zone V. In case any building is found unsafe, necessary strengthening/retrofitting measures should be adopted on the advice of an architect/engineer.-By Our Reporter