Important Elements of Earthquake Resistant Buildings | Earthquake-resistant construction | What are the characteristics of earthquake resistant house | Earthquake-resistant house design | Earthquake-resistant materials | Seismic safe building | Earthquake-proof home in Assam | Safe house construction Guwahati | Earthquake resistant features
What is an earthquake Resistant house?
Earthquakes do not come with a warning sign; they come and rip up the roots of buildings. Various areas of India are prone to earthquakes. A house that does not comply with the Indian seismic codes and is not designed properly can be prone to lethal damage from the movement of the tectonic plates.
Earthquake-resistant construction techniques strengthen the foundation of the house, making it ready for any changes in the ground.
The goal of building earthquake-resistant houses is to build structures that can withstand earthquake activity better than their conventional counterparts.
Characteristics of Earthquake-Resistant Structures :
Like other states located in earthquake zones, it is very important that the buildings inhabited in Assam are earthquake resistant. Earthquake-resistant structures can prevent loss of life and property caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes. The earthquake resistance of a building depends on several factors, from the geological and geographical characteristics of the construction site, to the materials used during construction, and even to the stabilizing project applied. The choices and practices made during and before construction are key elements that influence the sustainability of a building. However, factors such as neglected maintenance after construction, inadequate or non-existent waterproofing can also affect the seismic resistance of buildings.
1.Use of strong foundation:
One of the most crucial factors to take into account, especially when creating a seismically resistant structure, is the foundation of the building. Try replacing a portion of the soil if it contains undesirable characteristics. Another choice is to create unique foundations for the building. The foundation cannot be compromised because it is a building’s main source of strength.
Creating a flexible foundation for a building could help it stay standing during an earthquake. One option is to build the structure on top of pads that separate the building from the ground. Then, the pads move, but the building stays still.
2.Height of the structure:
The height and number of stories in the building will play a significant role in determining the weight that will be supported by the earth and foundation. Before creating the structure’s design and planning, accurate calculations should be made in this regard. Buildings with several stories are safe during earthquakes and other natural disasters when properly planned and designed.
3.Lightweight materials :
Lighter materials reduce the overall weight of the structure. This can be especially important during earthquakes. Heavier buildings are subject to more drift causing more stress. This makes them more vulnerable to damage. Ways to reduce the weight of a building include:
Use of foamed concrete or aerated concrete blocks for the wall
Use of Lightweight roofing materials to reduce the stress on the structure.
4. Structural design:
Structures should be able to endure both static and dynamic forces, and they should be flexible enough to do so with ease. This applies to everything, including the foundation, enclosures, load walls, delays, etc.
5. Flexible and ductile structure:
Ductility can be simply described as The ability of some structural systems to experience extensive deformation and damage without loss of load-carrying capability. Ductility has a large influence on the magnitude of accelerations and seismic forces a building is designed for, just like its natural period of vibration. Steel is an inherently ductile material and is thus very suitable for building in earthquake areas. Concrete and all types of masonry, without reinforcement, are brittle materials, but by means of embedment of steel reinforcement, suitably placed, they can be made to perform in a semi-ductile manner, making them suitable for earthquake-resistant construction. A ductile material, on the other hand, like steel, reaches its elastic limit and then deforms plastically without breaking unless elongated beyond the limit. Ductile structural materials don’t necessarily guarantee ductile structures
6. Soil testing:
Soil testing is essential to understanding the ground before construction begins. The type of soil determines the foundation design. For example, deep foundations or soil stabilization techniques may be required in soft sandy soils to prevent movement during an earthquake.
7. Symmetry and load distribution:
The building’s structural design needs to be symmetrical. This aids in maintaining a steady balance as well as the optimum weight distribution over the foundation. Although such methods first appear dull, a skilled and experienced architect will create design concepts that will make the building attractive without sacrificing the foundation or other crucial aspects.
8. Inovative technologies: With advancements in engineering and construction technologies, innovative solutions for earthquake-resistant homes are emerging. This includes using base isolation systems, which decouple the building from the ground motion, dampers, and shock absorbers to mitigate seismic forces.
Why Earthquake-Resistant Design Matters in Assam?
Seismic resistant design is very important in Assam because of its location in seismically active areas, especially Zone V, which is exposed to earthquakes up to MM intensity IX. Saving human lives and limiting damage to buildings are the primary objectives of such designs.This design focuses on ensuring that structures are strong and flexible, preventing partial or complete collapse during an earthquake.
Many infrastructures in Assam, especially old buildings in rural areas.
Seismic resistant design aims to enhance structural integrity and prevent collapse, thus ensuring occupant safety. Structures should be designed to sufficiently deflect and deform rather than suddenly collapse.
How Stonedge Construction Ensures Earthquake Safety?
Stonedge Construction likely ensures earthquake safety by implementing robust construction practices, including proper wall construction, strong mortar, and tie-stones, as well as potentially incorporating seismic strengthening techniques. They likely prioritize structural integrity by ensuring adequate bonding between masonry courses and using appropriate materials.
Establish a realistic budget:
Both a perk and pitfall of building a house is that you can get pretty much anything you really want. As you are looking at various house plans and all the options of what you can incorporate into the design, it is tempting to add everything you have ever dreamed over. Marble bathrooms, custom cabinetry, high-end appliances, beautiful lighting, and an elaborate outdoor entertaining area. While these features sound great, you also have to remember that you will be paying for all of the bells and whistles that you include. By establishing a realistic budget from the very beginning of this process, you can get a much better understanding of what you are able to build. Plus, it is also important to remember that not all of these features have to be included right away. Once you are settled in the house and have an opportunity to save a little more, you can always make the updates or additions you have been dreaming of.
Eliminate any wasted space:
While a big house might seem great initially, you don’t want to end up with a bunch of wasted space. Rooms that are not utilized simply become dumping spots for other things. Additionally, more square footage means more house that you have to clean and maintain. Instead of focusing on the size of your house, it is more important to focus on the efficiency
There is a lack of awareness in the earthquake disaster mitigations. Avoiding non-engineered structures with unskilled labour even in unimportant temporary constructions can help a great way.
Statewide awareness programmes have to be conducted by fully exploiting the advancement in the information technology.
Urgent steps are required to be taken to make the codal provisions regarding earthquake resistant construction undebatable.
Stonedge Construction Pvt. Ltd. brings trusted expertise in civil works, interiors, electricals, flooring, and more — all across Assam. Whether it’s your dream home or a commercial space, we’re here to make it happen with quality, care, and professionalism.