Situated in the young Himalayan range, Bhutan is prone to earthquakes. And building earthquake-resilient structures are therefore crucial. To test the strength of the stone masonry structures to earthquake, the Department of Culture in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) conducted a full-scale test of the building yesterday. The test will check the effectiveness of the materials used in strengthening the building.
The full-scale test was conducted on a replica of the stone masonry building constructed in the department of culture. The building is strengthened by using materials that are locally produced and easily available in the local market.
“So, through this test we will check how effective these reinforcing measures are and how much it has improved the seismic capacity of the building. Moreover, from this test we will be able to understand the failures pattern of the stone masonry building,” said Phuntsho Wangmo (PhD), deputy executive engineer of the department of culture.
The test is expected to formulate seismic guidelines for masonry buildings at the end of the project in 2023.
“After the test, we will come to know how much it has improved the strength of the building. So, in case if it has improved then we will be recommending this kind of reinforcing measure and at the end of the project we will be developing a guideline specifying a different reinforcing measure where people can choose,” said Phuntsho Wangmo.
The five-year project is expected to improve the earthquake resistance of structures, reduce life and property loss, improve general understanding of hazards and develop disaster reduction technology in the country.
Choni Dema
Edited by Sonam Pem
