Structures that Adhere to Safe Architectural Standards

As we entered a new millennium, we are witnessing more natural catastrophic incidences than ever. The year started with wildfires, earthquakes and everything else. The consequences of global warming are manifold. These events can wreak havoc on human life, wildlife and the environment. Together we can make a difference in combating the disastrous effects of these unforeseen events. However, prevention is also the best way to go about it.

Earthquakes have become a regular occurrence causing massive damages. While no structure can be fully earthquake proof, engineers are using innovative techniques and designs to safeguard new structures. These construction techniques help to reduce destruction and save precious lives. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6 Richter scale and above can damage any building. Lack of habitable land and increasing human population are leading to the construction of high-rise buildings that stand at a higher risk of being destroyed by earthquakes. It is also easier to evacuate people through stairs in a low-rise building compared to a high-rise building. However, modern evacuation techniques are often inbuilt in tall buildings. A popular example would be the World trade centre tragedy in 2011, many people could not make it to the ground floor because of the height of the building. Engineers are striving to create partially earthquake-resistant structures. Unreinforced bricks plastered with mortar are dangerous structures and can be reduced to rubble in case of any seismic shock waves. MP Birla is one of the best cement companies in India. The major types of cement manufactured by MP Birla are OPC, PSC, and PPC.

Portland Slag cement is used to create strong and durable structures. If you are constructing your building, get the best durable Portland cement for general construction work.

The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest mega-structure in the world standing at a height of 2722 feet. This massive skyscraper can withstand earthquakes up to 7 Richter scale. It is built on a 52-foot-deep steel and concrete foundation. The vertical and horizontal loadings are supported by a unique truss system, making it resistant to torsional movements. Shanghai tower with a height of 2000 feet, is the second tallest building in the world. The site is primarily filled with soft, clay-based soil. To make this structure earthquake resistant, engineers incorporated 980 piles and secured 2.15 million cubic feet of reinforced concrete. It also consists of a tuned mass damper to control swaying during earthquake or high winds. A series of shock absorbers helps in optimal counterbalancing. Taipei 101 located in Taiwan is one of the tallest structures in the world. It has a massive internal damper to control swaying and minimize the possibility of structural damage, in case of an earthquake. Recently a few Earthquakes occurred in Northern Indian region.

The foundation of any building is the most important of any other part. Stay updated with the latest architectural innovations in the construction industry.

How to Reverse the Effects of Global Warming on Buildings?

The effects of global warming are more adverse and far reaching than those just documented. It has led to unforeseen glacial melts, unpredictable weather conditions, rise in sea-levels, acidification of ocean water, extinction of several plant and animal species and uncountable other situations. This also impacts the longevity of buildings and other high-rise structures. Climate change has transformed the architecture, designing, and construction of new buildings. Architects are using modern technology to design buildings that are weather-resistant and energy efficient. With the rise in unpredictable climatic conditions like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, construction engineers make durable structures to withstand the aftermaths of natural disasters. Modern high-rise buildings are constructed with deep earthing with iron beams which makes them less vulnerable to earthquakes. Weather-resistant paint is widely used in both residential and commercial buildings alike.

Usually, Grade 53 cement is used to make the most durable and strong structures. Portland Cement is used for pre-cast cladding panels, creating terrazzo floorings. Both Grade 43 and Grade 53 OPC cement in used in general construction works.

MP Birla is one of the popular cement suppliers in India. This cement is specially engineered to offer strength, durability, and faster construction time.

Greenhouse gas emissions are rapidly weakening older buildings. Architects involved in the restoration and renovation of historic buildings work to minimize the effects of adverse weather conditions. Discoloring of marble due to acid rain and air pollution is a common phenomenon. Hurricanes and tsunamis have become more frequent in the coastal areas of the USA. Adding up to billions of dollars of damages, these climatic disasters render millions of people homeless and create a deep plunge in the economy of a country. The recent ongoing flooding in the state of Kerala has wreaked a havoc in the lives of people. Earthquakes and tsunamis occur often in the countries of Japan, Nepal, Indonesia, and India. Lava eruptions in areas of dormant and active volcanoes, in the countries of Hawaii and Japan, can displace an entire population, and damage a lot of buildings.

To reduce the adverse effects of global warming, we must collectively come together and actively participate.