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Strict policing of building code to reduce tremor risk: Prof Jamilur Reza

MONJUR MAHMUD
Strict enforcement of the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) that goes unimplemented even 10 years after its formulation will reduce earthquake damage to the built-in environment, said Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, convenor of Bangladesh Earthquake Society.
"The Ministry of Housing and Public Works formed a committee in 1997 to develop a mechanism for its enforcement, but it did not make any progress," he told The Daily Star in a recent interview.
In absence of any enforcement
being designed and constructed in zones 2 and 3, do not have adequate provisions for seismic resistance, said Prof Chowdhury, also the vice-chancellor of the BRAC University and former advisor to the caretaker government.
The BNBC93, prepared by a team of consultants appointed by the government in June 1992, includes detailed guidelines for earthquake-resistant designs of concrete and steel structures and recommendations for horizontal and vertical reinforcement in brick masonry buildings, added the expert, who
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was one of the consultants of BNBC93.
He said steps to strictly enforce the BNBC93 were imperative.
In many areas under zones 2 and 3, old buildings built without any design to resist earthquakes may be severely damaged even in moderate jolts, he observed.
The most severe zone 3 includes Bangladesh's north and northeastern parts, while zone 2 includes the major cities of Dhaka and Chittagong -- home to around 14 million people.
"There is a need for systematic studies to identify the buildings, carry out vulnerability analysis and retrofit them, if necessary."
In view of considerable seismic risks, more attention should be given to mitigating the effects of earthquakes, particularly in urban areas, he felt.
The need for a detailed seismic risk investigation was felt when a number of large industrial complexes like the fertiliser factory at Ashuganj were being designed in the mid-1970s.
The government had constituted
a committee of experts in 1977 to examine the problem and make appropriate recommendations. Prof Chowdhury was also a member of the committee.
He said there was a lack of awareness about quake hazards not only among the common man, but also among decision-makers.
"There is an urgent need for educating people and sensitising the policy and decision-makers to the threats posed by earthquakes."
He said the lack of awareness crept in as no major tremor except for the 1918 Srimongal jolt hit Bangladesh in the last century.
The low incidence of severe earthquakes in the last 100 years has led to a situation where most people and policymakers do not perceive seismic risks as important.
Citing an example, Prof Chowdhury said the statements like 'these buildings have been designed to stand quakes measuring 7 on the Richter scale' have no scientific basis.
He underscored training of engineers and technicians involved in planning, designing, constructing and maintaining buildings.
Quality materials and good design in construction can make buildings stronger to withstand severe earthquake shocks.
"Despite good designs, there may be faults in buildings if substandard materials are used in construction. I am worried about the quality of steel in particular."
Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institution (BSTI) and House Building Research Institute (HBRI) have important roles to play in addressing these problems, he said.
"The BSTI should look into the quality of steel, cement and other building materials."
Excessive water in mixture may also reduce the strength of a building, said Chowdhury.
Simple guidelines for nonengineered constructions should be developed and wide dissemination of the guidelines with the help of non-governmental organisation (NGOs) arranged.
Besides, fire-services and Civil Defence Directorate should be strengthened to carry out the postquake search and rescue efforts, Prof Chowdhury added.