Codes for design and development of earthquake resistant buildings in India

Author: Sachin Gupta | Find me on Twitter Follow @sach_gupta

While buying an apartment in a builder project, one would have noticed the words ‘Earthquake Resistant Building’ in the ‘Specifications’ section.  This is mandated as per the codes and guidelines framed by The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

As we know, a good part of North India and hilly regions have been classified as seismically sensitive zones or earthquake prone. Therefore construction of buildings in these regions has to be meticulous and as per the strict guidelines and set of rules laid down by The Bureau of Indian Standards BIS. Deviation from these guidelines may prove to be harmful in case of a severe earthquake. The buildings need to be designed in such a way that they can withstand the ground vibrations caused by earthquakes. Failure to adhere to guidelines can cause damage to human life and loss of property.

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We have seen in past, how earthquakes have proved to be disastrous. And therefore, putting in place systems and guidelines that can avoid or limit the loss are extremely useful.

Find below the codes for design and development of earthquake resistant buildings in India:

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Shock absorbers using aerospace technology for making buildings earthquake proof in India

The earthquake tremors of Nepal have not only caused extensive damage to the reinforced concrete multi-story buildings in Kathmandu, but have also shaken the confidence of people in India and ignited the fear of a magnitude 8 or higher earthquake striking North India as per statements made by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The prohibitively high repair costs for buildings designed and built as per the building code earthquake standards has prompted Taylor Devices Inc., to launch a unique and one-of-its-kind solution for the Indian realty market. The Indian subsidiary of Taylor Devices Inc., Taylor Devices India Pvt. Ltd., has launched its brand certified earthquake resistance by the name of “Taylor Protected”, which far exceeds the minimum code criteria. Buildings vying for this certification will need to comply with extremely strict and high international standards. These buildings will have giant shock absorbers installed which will stay hidden in walls and these will act just like the shock absorbers in a car absorbing the earthquake shocks so that the building structure remains unharmed.

According to Mr. Sandeep Donald Shah, Managing Director, Taylor Devices India, “India has yet not seen this premier earthquake protection which is extremely popular in countries like US and Japan. These brand certification marks will enable the consumers in India to be rest assured that the apartment they are purchasing contains premier earthquake protection which is much ahead of its times and much higher than the minimum protection as spelt out by the building codes. “It makes great business sense for us to allocate this brand certification as our dampers are built using aerospace technology and come with 35 years warranty.” 

Presently there is no way to identify if a building is earthquake resistant, other than take the word of the seller that the building he is selling is earthquake resistant. Also there are four distinct categories of earthquake resistant buildings – Category A, B C & D - and the difference between their earthquake performances is so huge that merely saying that the building is earthquake resistant has no meaning. Category A and category B buildings stay operational even after a major earthquake whereas category C and category D buildings need to be abandoned/vacated and structurally repaired before being reoccupied.

The building code in India requires a minimum compliance to category D standard, which is “collapse prevention”. “Taylor Protected” and “Taylor Earthquake Protection” brand certification will only be given to Category A and B buildings (Operational and Immediate Occupancy buildings).

To get this state-of-the-art brand certification the building will need to meet numerous stringent earthquake resistant criteria, firstly it would need to be designed to Category B or above seismic performance standard (operational or immediate occupancy) and will have to have Taylor Devices aerospace technology dampers, that are maintenance free and come with a 35 years warranty. 

Proactively divulging the earthquake resistance category of the building will set precedence in upholding the two most important consumer rights on India i.e. “Right to Complete Knowledge” and the “Right to Awareness” which presently is being flouted by one and all in the real estate industry.

This is a press release by Neha Kaushik

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