EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT STRUCTURES

Earthquake-Resistant Structures



Earthquake-Resistant Structures

Introduction

The structures which are capable of withstanding the hazards and effects of various types of earthquakes are known as Earthquake-resistant structures (IAEE Manual, 2010, pp.1). The need of earthquake-resistant structures rose because, for ages people have been terrified of these natural, geological phenomena. Mainly, the catastrophe of earthquake occurs as a result of collapsing man-made structures and buildings. In the countries of high seismic risks, such as Japan and Indonesia, it is essential to ensure the safety of infrastructure and buildings. Before discussing the earthquake-resistant structures, some of the major earthquake disasters in history are discussed in the following, in order to build the need of having earthquake-resistant structures.

The results of Japan Tsunami and earthquake 2011 were devastating. This natural disaster was included among the top five most expensive disasters; the cost of this earthquake was estimated at $235 billion by the World Bank. Nearly 8649 people died and 13,262 were missing since the earthquake of 9.0 magnitudes struck the coast near Japan (AccuWeather, 2011). In the worst affected areas, no structures or buildings could withstand the intensity of hazard. Another earthquake in Japan commonly known as Kobe earthquake, 1995 resulted in losses of nearly $100 billion. The magnitude of this earthquake was 6.8 and number of killings reached 6500, which made this disaster the most deadly for that year. After this earthquake, the engineers of Japan became world leaders in designing earthquake-resistant structures (Vastag, 2011). Even after the technology advancement, the pacific coast of East Japan suffered another horrible earthquake which resulted in killing more than 15,000 people and destroying many buildings.

In 2010, Tsunami and early morning quake in Chile resulted in deaths of 521 people; the magnitude of disaster was recorded as 8.8. More than 800,000 people became homeless as a result of this Tsunami. During the years, 2004-2007 Indonesia suffered from high economic losses, resulting from earthquakes. Some of these earthquakes were followed by Tsunamis, causing even greater losses. The losses were mainly due to collapse of buildings and infrastructures, which revealed the structures, were not efficient enough to withstand the earthquake forces (Pribadi, et.al, 2007, pp.1).

In 2004, one of the most deadly Tsunamis attacked 14 countries at the same time. The countries were spread across Asia and East Africa, with the magnitude of 9.1. Indonesia was the worst affected country, as it faced the killings of 170,000 from the total population of 230,000. This disaster resulted in the loss of fishing and industrial infrastructure for many poor nations.

In 1993, Hokkaido Nansei-oki Earthquake Tsunami caused severe damage in Okushiri Island (NDA, 2010, pp.83). The magnitude of earthquake was 7.8 and resulting damage was estimated as $1.2 billion and 230 people were killed. The area of about 125 km was affected, which was located in the east of island, while the aftershock area extended up to 50 km from east to west and up to 150 km in north and south.

In order to protect from impacts of future earthquakes and ...