High time for Delhi to get seismic smart

The India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India has notified that Zone 5 is the highest risk zone whereas Zone 2 is the lowest. At least 38 cities in India are in the moderate to very high earthquake risk zone. Delhi being in zone 4 is a wakeup call to its residents to evaluate the ability of their home to withstand an earthquake. Everyone in the city needs to get seismic smart and understand the need of retrofitting the structures.

• Get seismic smart: Since one cannot predict nor prevent earthquake, it is best to understand the methods to make sure your home is safe and secure. Certain areas are more prone to earthquakes therefore find out the seismic zone of your locality. Find out ways to implement the necessary retrofitting of buildings.
  

• What is retrofitting: Seismic retrofitting is the modification of an existing structure to further make them more resistant to ground motion, earthquake or soil failure. This technique not only makes the structure resist intensive earthquakes but also lowers the risk of loss of property and life.
  
• Get ready to retrofit – Some of the old colonies in Delhi consist of ancient buildings which when constructed did not have any codes or laws in place. Things have changed. Today, earthquake-resistant building codes are in place which needs to be adhered to by builders. Under the procedure of retrofitting, bracing is added and the home is bolted with its foundation so as to strengthen the critical connections within a home. A home that is retrofitted is strong enough to resist greater earthquake forces.
  

Retrofitting your home in the right way
Before starting with the seismic retrofit ensure your property is inspected thoroughly by the structural engineer. Hiring a professional will help you evaluate the risk level of the building and will further ensure the retrofit is done right. There are various types of seismic improvements for a home which can be determined once the engineer has inspected the property.

Before you hire a retrofit professional or a structural engineer, be sure they are licensed and have a good reputation in the market.

SOURCE: Magicbricks