In earthquake-prone California, my emotions run high. The pain and suffering inflicted upon the Nepalis and the destruction of Kathmandu Valley's very soul—her unique identity based on her historic heritage sites—is hard to swallow. There are many issues to discuss and many course corrections to make. Loss of life and damage to structures from the anticipated earthquake is unfathomable and preparations were inadequate. In 2011, I discussed in Nepal the potential consequences from a devastating earthquake and some broad mitigation strategies at a presentation titled, "A Perspective: Safety and Security of Unique Cultural Heritage Structures in Kathmandu Valley". The current earthquake had the dreaded effect. Kathmandu's historical icons were all wiped in the blink of an eye. They can be rebuilt but wouldn't be the same. Without willpower from all stakeholders, the gods will not come back.The mortals, however, learn from mistakes. A known fact is that unreinforced brick structures are not safe during earthquakes. Many of the demolished or severely damaged heritage structures from Swayambhu Nath to Bauddhanth, Asan to Indra Chowk to the Durbar Squares at Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur were all built using bricks that are unreinforced. Bhaktapur's residential settlements made of traditional brick and mortar have seen serious damage. This was anticipated.
There is a similar situation in villages. Small hamlets and villages across the country are built with mud and dirt, stone rubble or locally available materials. They too, as expected, turned into rubble. Earthquake-triggered landslides have created more destruction.
In social media and among the intelligentsia, new buildings of Kathmandu, with "column and beam" or "framed" construction as per local lingo, were not damaged because they are better constructed than buildings in developed countries. At this critical time, such a proposition projects only arrogance, ignorance and ineptitude. It misleads the population about public safety. Different elements that contribute to public safety must be considered before such conclusions can be drawn.
The destruction of infrastructure noticed to date requires strategic and independent evaluation by trained professionals. Authorities should evaluate buildings and structures through "Rapid Evaluation Method" and classify them as "Inspected," "Restricted use," and "Unsafe". These are generally known as "Red", "Yellow", and "Green" tags. Evaluation should be made mandatory; not voluntary.
People should not be allowed to live in building structures other than with "green" tags. All "yellow" and "red" buildings must be subjected to mandatory "Detailed Evaluation Method". These evaluations, under the current situation, can be done visually from the outside for traditional and unreinforced brick structures.
Most modern "frame buildings" that fall under "yellow" or "red" categories have to be evaluated from both the inside and the outside. Foundation failures must be evaluated. Tall buildings that have mushroomed in Kathmandu Valley will require added scrutiny, starting from the review of their design. For these tall buildings, structural integrity is not the only criteria for safety—other non-structural aspects need to be checked.
There has been little talk about damages of building appendages such as water tanks and cell towers from this earthquake. Such damaged appendages are generally responsible for injuries. The inspection process must identify this and tag buildings accordingly.
The challenge ahead is to restore these structures using other scientifically acceptable materials, established and known sciences that ensure public safety. What does this mean? Here are some items that call for immediate attention:
Stop potential pilferage of components of historic structures. These components include bricks, statues, wood systems, bells, books, and many others. Secure all historic sites and protect all components from weather, traffic and other effects. There is a need of revision of Nepal National Building Code-1994 to address structural, seismic, wind related as well as non-structural fire and escape aspects of buildings. A revision of enforcement mechanisms is essential. Plan all future infrastructures with acceptable standardized access for all including the disabled. Buildings should contain fire equipment located at places that first responders can quickly reach.
Training professional engineers, architects, and all those involved in safety is a must so that they can react on time to future disasters. Regulatory bodies should take the lead in public safety. Anchorage of appendages such as water tanks and cell phone towers should be done at the earliest.
This challenge also provides an opportunity for change. This change should address restoration or duplication of lost historical structures. Education of our young engineers in the practices of public safety and pre-planning for disaster are also crucial.
The future infrastructures, at a minimum, should ensure adequate access to structures, provide sufficient water supply for fire-fighting, including fire trucks and trained manpower. Enforceable control mechanisms to check and certify adequacy of the design and construction of structures are also essential. Litigation when public safety is compromised as a result of design and construction defects, licensing of Engineers and Architects, mechanism that automatically make engineers and architects as public service officers in emergency situations are some other important measures.
The author is a Professional Licensed Engineer based in California, US
baidya.a.opposite@gmail.com
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