Here comes certification for earthquake resistant buildings in India

In a first, Taylor Devices India, the Indian subsidiary of US-based Taylor Devices Inc has launched certification for earthquake resistance buildings in India. 

The 'Taylor Protected' buildings will comprise shock absorbers using aerospace technology, which will stay hidden inside the walls and will act just like shock absorbers in a car absorbing the shocks from an earthquake so that the building structure remains unharmed.

The company claims that certified buildings will absorb even an earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale and stay operational after the calamity.

India has yet not seen this premier earthquake protection which is popular in countries like the US and Japan. "Presently there is noway 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. These brand certification marks will enable the consumers in India to be rest assured," said Sandeep Donald Shah, managing director, Taylor Devices India.

There are four distinct categories of earthquake resistant buildings - Category A, B C & D. 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).

This certification can be given both for new and existing buildings. Explaining the cost difference between a category D and category B certified buildings, Shah said, "If a Category D building is costing Rs 8,000 per sq ft, the certified Category B building will cost just Rs 350 more than that, which is nothing considering the protection aspect." 

SOURCE: THE ECONOMIC TIMES