“In a recent earthquake that hit Morocco on 8 September 2023, more than 2100 calamities were reported along with 2400 found injured.”
Experts say, this earthquake was the strongest to hit Morocco in more than 60 years and severely damaged the area’s urban infrastructure. Although the region occasionally experiences earthquakes, this tragic incident highlights how urgent it is to implement better construction practices. While we are unable to prevent natural calamities like earthquakes, using modern construction methods may help lessen their destructive effects.
Traditional Building Methods Under Scrutiny
The construction techniques used in the area have been examined in light of the recent earthquake in Morocco. This examination demonstrates that the widespread use of conventional building materials and techniques considerably contributed to the destruction caused by the earthquake. The construction of residential buildings out of brick and clay was the most prevalent of these conventional methods.
Expert Insights on Building Vulnerability
Experts in the field have provided helpful insights into the structural difficulties experienced in earthquake-prone areas when it comes to seismic susceptibility. Mehrdad Sasani, a renowned professor of civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern University in the United States, is one of these experts who raised attention to a worrying pattern in the impacted area. Sasani has specifically highlighted the frequent usage of unreinforced stonework and mud-brick construction techniques.
Sasani’s knowledge reveals the complex interaction of social, economic, and technological variables causing this problem. It also highlights the urgent need for a thorough reevaluation of construction methods in seismically active locations. This entails both upgrading building standards to reflect contemporary seismic design concepts and encouraging a greater understanding of the negative societal and economic effects of these conventional techniques.
Strengthening Existing Structures
There is an urgent need to improve seismic building design rules in order to solve this problem and avoid future catastrophes. The use of modern construction methods, materials and heavy construction equipment can help in this regard. By ensuring that structures can resist the highest levels of seismic activity, these regulations should lessen the possibility of structural failure during earthquakes.
It is also important to repair traditional houses and rock structures in mountain villages in order to protect communities that reside in earthquake-prone locations. Safety and resilience can be dramatically increased by strengthening existing structures.
Future Strategies for Building Regulations
While earthquakes are unable to be expected or avoided, we can take steps to lessen their effects. The recent earthquake in Morocco serves as a reminder of the value of updating construction methods to make sure that structures are built to withstand seismic forces. These actions are essential for protecting lives and reducing the destruction brought on by natural catastrophes.
In this scenario, a new seismic building standard’s compliance is essential for new construction projects. These initiatives must conform to the most recent criteria while being economical and successful. This strategy protects infrastructure and property from damage during earthquakes in addition to saving lives.
Source: Global Construction Insights-Everyday