Earthquakes come without warning, are destructive, and potentially deadly. The bright side is that we have methods to reduce earthquake damage.
As a homeowner, business owner, or community team member, earthquake preparedness will save lives and protect property.
Here are five proven engineering strategies to help you stay ready for the unexpected.
Contents
Strengthen Your Building’s Foundation
A structure that doesn’t get support from below tends to break or collapse upon earthquakes. Often, engineers provide this support at the base in a technique known as base isolation, where the ground is padded by flexible materials so that whenever the earth moves with waves, they do not come directly to the structure, and it continues standing firm and upright.
One very good method is carbon fiber retrofitting. This is an advanced solution in which critical parts of the structure, mainly beams, and columns, are wrapped using superlight but ultratough carbon fiber. This modern, noninvasive method fortifies the building and allows it to withstand potential damages.
Use Flexible Materials
Rigid materials, like unreinforced masonry, crack easily with seismic pressure. Engineers prefer using flexible materials like steel, reinforced concrete, and timber because they bend without breaking. Such materials will be able to withstand the shock waves of an earthquake.
When planning to construct or renovate your building, tell your contractor about these seismic-grade materials. This investment in safety really pays off when disaster strikes.
Prioritize Structural Symmetry
The design of a building has a lot to do with earthquake resistance. An uneven or asymmetrical building will twist and break under seismic stress. Engineers will distribute weight as evenly as possible throughout the structure by focusing on the balanced placement of walls, beams, and columns.
If your building is non-symmetrical, do not worry; retrofitting may help to redistribute loads and distribute more forces that stabilize the buildings. Adding energy dissipation devices would be a good point for consultation with a structural engineer.
Add Energy Dissipation Devices
Energy dissipation devices are like shock absorbers for buildings. They reduce the vibrations caused by earthquakes, thus limiting structural damage.
Here are some examples:
- Viscous dampers use fluid to absorb seismic energy.
- Tuned mass dampers are used in tall buildings to counteract movement.
- Base isolators work to prevent seismic waves from reaching the structure.
- Systems of this nature are used during new constructions, but they can also be incorporated into existing buildings to improve safety during retrofitting projects.
Secure Non-Structural Components
You need to be careful with the non-structural elements like furniture, fixtures, and utilities, too. Heavy objects falling during an earthquake can injure people or even block an exit.
Do the following precautions:
- Anchor tall shelves and cabinets to walls.
- Use safety straps for large appliances.
- Secure light fixtures and ceiling fans with braces.
- These simple steps reduce hazards considerably and ensure your space is safer when seismicity happens.
Wrapping Up
All these techniques are discussed to contribute to the damage that might be reduced. Prepare now and wait for disaster to come knocking on your door. Develop your future today, safer for you, your family, and your community. Learn more, act more, and stay safe.