Indonesia frequently experiences earthquakes, both small and large. Therefore, constructing buildings with earthquake-resistant structures is crucial for the safety of the occupants and for reducing material losses.
There are several requirements to adhere to when it comes to creating earthquake-resistant buildings. Some of these include paying attention to the quality of construction materials, thorough planning, and selecting the appropriate construction methods.
So, what are the key aspects of building an earthquake-resistant structure? Check out the full explanation below!
What Is an Earthquake-Resistant Building Structure?
An earthquake-resistant building structure is a construction system specifically designed to withstand the vibrations and impacts of an earthquake.
These buildings are engineered to absorb and dissipate the energy generated by an earthquake, thereby reducing the risk of severe damage or collapse.
The primary principle of this structure is to protect the occupants by ensuring that the building remains standing, even during high-intensity earthquakes.
The technology and construction techniques used in earthquake-resistant buildings include the use of materials that are both strong and flexible, as well as precise calculations of loads and forces during an earthquake.
Key Considerations
Several key factors need to be considered before beginning the construction of an earthquake-resistant building. Here’s a breakdown:
Foundation
The foundation is the most fundamental element of a building and is critical in earthquake-resistant structures. A strong foundation will efficiently transfer the building's load to the ground.
In earthquake-resistant buildings, the foundation must be designed to withstand soil movement and reduce deformation that may occur during an earthquake. Deep foundations, such as pile foundations, are considered more effective in resisting earthquake shocks.
Reinforced Concrete
Reinforced concrete is one of the primary materials for earthquake-resistant buildings. This material combines the strength of concrete with the flexibility of steel, creating a structure that is strong yet capable of absorbing earthquake energy.
The design of reinforced concrete should be carried out with high precision to ensure that the distribution of steel within the concrete is sufficient to withstand the tensile and compressive forces generated by the earthquake.
Concrete
The final requirement for an earthquake-resistant building is to pay attention to the quality and installation of concrete in the structure. Concrete is a commonly used material in construction, but for earthquake-resistant buildings, the quality and type of concrete used must meet specific standards.
The concrete used must have high strength and be able to withstand the dynamic loads generated by an earthquake. Using concrete with the right mix, along with proper casting methods, will enhance the building’s strength to withstand earthquake conditions.
Characteristics of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings
The construction process that adheres to earthquake-resistant building standards has specific characteristics. This process has been meticulously planned and calculated, from material selection to load combinations. Here are the characteristics of earthquake-resistant buildings:
Interconnected Structural Components
In earthquake-resistant buildings, all structural components, such as columns, beams, and walls, must be interconnected.
Strong connections between these components prevent partial collapse of the building and help maintain stability during an earthquake by evenly distributing the load.
Flexibility
Flexibility is key in the design of earthquake-resistant buildings. The building must be able to sway or move without experiencing significant structural damage.
This means that the materials and design of the building must be capable of withstanding deformation without causing a collapse.
Symmetrical Design
Buildings with symmetrical designs are easier to balance during an earthquake. Asymmetry in design can lead to uneven load distribution, potentially increasing the risk of collapse during an earthquake.
Therefore, the design of earthquake-resistant buildings often prioritizes symmetry in layout and load distribution.
The Latest Earthquake Resistance Planning Procedures
The National Standardization Agency (BSN) has released the latest earthquake-resistant building standard, SNI 1726:2019 (a revision of SNI 1726:2012).
This standard includes everything related to Earthquake Resistance Planning Procedures for Building and Non-Building Structures.
Here are some earthquake-resistant building standards that have been established and apply to all types of construction in Indonesia:
Earthquake Load Analysis Methods
One of the topics covered in the earthquake-resistant building SNI is the method of analyzing loads during an earthquake. This includes planning the building structure as well as calculating the horizontal and vertical loads that may occur during an earthquake.
There are several earthquake load analysis methods commonly used, such as time history analysis, response spectrum, and equivalent static (equivalent lateral load).
Load Combinations
SNI 1726:2019 also specifies the load combinations that must be considered in structural design, including earthquake loads, wind loads, and live loads.
These load combinations help ensure that the building structure can withstand various types of loads that may occur simultaneously.
Upper Structure and Lower Structure
This standard distinguishes between the planning of upper structures and lower structures. The upper structure includes the building elements above the ground, such as columns and beams, while the lower structure includes the foundation and elements below the ground surface.
Inter-Story Drift
The earthquake-resistant building SNI also covers inter-story drift, which refers to the difference in movement between one floor and another during an earthquake. This drift must be controlled to prevent severe structural damage.
Examples of Earthquake-Resistant Buildings in Indonesia
There are several buildings in Indonesia that have followed earthquake-resistant standards, such as Rumah Instan Sederhana Sehat, also known as Risha. Here’s a detailed explanation and examples of other earthquake-resistant buildings in Indonesia:
Rumah Instan Sederhana Sehat (Risha)
Risha is an innovation in the field of earthquake-resistant house construction in Indonesia. This house uses modular components that can be quickly assembled and are designed to withstand medium to high-intensity earthquakes.
Rumah Instan Kayu (Rika)
Another example of an earthquake-resistant building in Indonesia is Rika, which utilizes Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) technology and is made from engineered wood for its construction. Wood has a natural flexibility that allows it to absorb earthquake energy effectively.
Dome House
The dome house in Yogyakarta, owned by Prof. Nizam, M.Sc, Ph.D., resembles a dome in appearance. The design of this house features walls that are integrated with the roof.
So, this is a comprehensive explanation of earthquake-resistant building structures, the key considerations, and their standards. This construction approach is an effective choice for reducing the impact of earthquakes, both in terms of safety and material losses.
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