REPORT

ON

Earthquake-Resistant Design and

Post-Seismic Retrofitting
FOR

Architectural Building Construction

ABC – SEM 09

Chahak Jain –

AR-20-018

2024 – 25
1. WHAT IS AN EARTHQUAKE AND ITS
EFFECTS?
An earthquake is a natural phenomenon where the earth's surface shakes due to
the sudden release of energy in the earth's lithosphere. This energy release
occurs when accumulated stress, typically from tectonic plate movements,
overcomes the strength of rocks along a fault line, causing a rapid slip along the
fault. The energy radiates through seismic waves, which we feel during an
earthquake. When tectonic plates grind against each other or collide, stress
builds up until it is released in the form of seismic waves, which radiate outward
from the earthquake's focus (the point within the Earth where the earthquake
originates). The point on the Earth's surface directly above the focus is known as
the epicenter.

Figure 1: Normal (dip-slip) fault is an inclined fracture where the rock mass above an inclined fault moves down
Source: (Wald)

Figure 2: Earthquake
Source: (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/destructive-and-constructive-effects-of-earthquakes/, 2024)
Types of Seismic Waves:
1. P-Waves (Primary Waves): These are the fastest seismic waves and the first
to be detected by seismographs. They compress and expand the ground in
the direction of travel, similar to sound waves.
2. S-Waves (Secondary Waves): These waves move slower than P-waves and
move the ground perpendicular to the direction of travel, causing more
damage.
3. Surface Waves: These waves travel along the Earth's surface and are
responsible for most of the damage during an earthquake. They cause the
ground to move up and down and side to side.

Figure 3: Diagram showing the main types of seismic waves: P (primary), S (secondary), Love, and Rayleigh.
Source: Bolt, Bruce A.. "earthquake". Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Sep. 2024,
https://www.britannica.com/science/earthquake-geology. Accessed 20 September 2024.
Causes of Earthquake
The Earth’s crust consists of seven major lithosphere plates and many smaller
plates. These arrays approach each other (convergence limit), separate from each
other (divergence limit), or exceed each other (conversion limit).
Earthquakes are caused by the sudden release of stress along a fault in the crust.
The continuous movement of the tectonic plate causes a continuous pressure
buildup in the rock formations on either side of the fault until the stress is large
enough to be released by the sudden jerky shakiness. Waves of seismic energy
travel through the ground to their surface, causing what we call an earthquake.
Main causes of earthquake
1. Dams and reservoirs.
2. Groundwater pumping.
3. Geothermal Power Plants – Salton Sea Geothermal Zone and Geysers
Geothermal Zone.
4. Trace and Injection Wells.
5. Skyscraper.

Effects of Earthquakes:
Earthquakes can have devastating effects on both natural and built
environments. The severity of these effects depends on the earthquake's
magnitude, depth, proximity to populated areas, and the local geological
conditions.
 Ground Shaking: The most immediate and destructive effect, causing
buildings, bridges, and other structures to collapse.
 Surface Rupture: The ground can crack and shift, damaging roads,
pipelines, and buildings.
 Soil Liquefaction: Saturated soils lose their strength and behave like a liquid,
causing buildings to tilt or sink.
 Landslides: Earthquakes can trigger landslides, especially in hilly or
mountainous regions.
 Tsunamis: Undersea earthquakes can generate tsunamis, leading to massive
flooding and destruction in coastal areas.
 Aftershocks: Smaller tremors following the main earthquake can cause
further damage to already weaken structures.
The effects of earthquakes extend beyond physical destruction, impacting
economies, disrupting lives, and posing long-term challenges for recovery and
rebuilding.
The outermost layers of the Earth are fragmented, and each of these fragmented
pieces is called a plate, rather than a single piece. These plates are always in
motion. When these plates move, an earthquake occurs, and internal
disturbances cause shaking. This causes the top layer of the earth, the so-called
crust, to move violently. If these plates rub against each other or one plate
collides with the other, the Earth’s crust will be disturbed. It is this disturbance
that appears as an earthquake on the surface of the earth. In geological terms,
earthquake is a part of endogenic forces and are often regarded as constructive
movements of the earth’s crust, including:
1. Constructive Effects
2. Destructive Effects

Figure 4: Effects of Earthquake

Source: (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/destructive-and-constructive-effects-of-earthquakes/, 2024)
2. HOW DO YOU PLAN BUILDINGS FOR
EARTHQUAKES?
Principles of Earthquake-Resistant Design:
Designing buildings to withstand earthquakes involves understanding how
seismic forces impact structures and implementing strategies to mitigate those
forces. The goal is to ensure that buildings remain standing during an
earthquake, protecting the lives of occupants and allowing for safe evacuation.

Key Design Strategies:

1. Structural Configuration:
o Symmetry: Buildings with symmetrical layouts are less likely to
experience torsional forces, which can cause twisting during an
earthquake.
o Simple Shapes: Simple, regular shapes like squares and rectangles
are more stable under seismic forces compared to irregular or complex
shapes.
o Height and Proportion: The height-to-width ratio of a building affects
its stability. Taller buildings need to be designed with additional
considerations for lateral forces.
2. Foundation Design:
o Deep Foundations: Pile foundations or caissons can transfer loads to
deeper, more stable soil layers, reducing the impact of surface ground
shaking.
o Base Isolation: Base isolators, made of flexible materials like rubber,
are placed between a building’s foundation and superstructure. They
absorb seismic energy, allowing the building to move independently of
the ground, reducing the forces transmitted to the structure.

Figure 5: Seismic Design Factors

Source: (https://theconstructor.org/earthquake/earthquake-resistant-techniques/5607/#google_vignette)
3. Structural Reinforcement:
o Shear Walls: These are vertical elements that provide additional
stiffness and strength to a building, helping it resist lateral forces. They
are often placed around stairwells, elevator shafts, and building cores.
o Bracing Systems: Diagonal braces made of steel or other strong
materials are used to reinforce walls and frames, reducing deformation
during an earthquake.
o Moment-Resisting Frames: These frames are designed to withstand
bending forces, allowing the building to flex without collapsing.

Figure 6: Seismic Design Factors

Source: (https://www.wbdg.org/resources/seismic-design-principles)

4. Materials and Construction Techniques:

o Ductile Materials: Using materials that can absorb and dissipate
energy, such as reinforced concrete and steel, helps buildings
withstand the shaking motion of an earthquake.
o Lightweight Materials: Reducing the weight of non-structural
elements, such as walls and cladding, minimizes the load on the
structure and reduces the risk of collapse.
 o Flexible Connections: Using flexible connections in building joints
allows parts of the structure to move independently without causing
significant damage.
5. Non-Structural Considerations:
o Securing Fixtures: Heavy fixtures, equipment, and furniture should be
securely anchored to prevent them from toppling during an earthquake.
o Glazing and Partitions: Using safety glass and flexible framing for
partitions can reduce the risk of injury from shattering glass.

Figure 7: Earthquake resistance

 3. MANAGEMENT DURING AN EARTHQUAKE.
DISASTER MITIGATION.

Figure 8: The phases

Source: (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-people-should-know-disaster-management-role-its-response-tariq-
hnn7f/)

Disaster mitigation refers to the strategies and actions taken to reduce the
impacts of natural disasters, such as earthquakes. There are five phases of
emergency management including prevention, mitigation, preparedness,
response, and recovery. Both prevention and mitigation efforts aim to reduce the
potential damage and suffering that disasters can cause.

Figure 9: Five phases

Source: (https://www.aacounty.org/emergency-management/disaster-mitigation)
1. Preparedness:
o Developing emergency response plans, conducting drills, and training
staff for rapid and organized responses.
o Creating awareness among the public on safety procedures during an
earthquake.
2. Risk Assessment and Retrofitting:
o Identifying vulnerabilities in buildings and infrastructure and taking
steps to strengthen them through retrofitting or rebuilding to seismic
standards.
o This involves using engineering solutions such as base isolators, shear
walls, or reinforced beams to improve a building's resistance to
earthquakes.
3. Response and Recovery:
o Effective disaster management ensures quick evacuation, triage of the
injured, and the establishment of temporary shelters and medical
services.
o Recovery focuses on restoring infrastructure and services, including
health services, to pre-disaster levels or even improving resilience for
future events.
4. Collaboration and Communication:
o Coordination between local authorities, healthcare facilities, disaster
response teams, and NGOs is essential for a comprehensive disaster
management strategy.
o Communication between agencies ensures effective delivery of aid and
services during and after the earthquake.

Figure 10: Methods

Source: (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-020-04124-3)
Example: Bhuj Hospital, Gujarat

Figure 11: Collapsed Bhuj Central Hospital Source:

(https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Photo-39-Collapsed-Bhuj-Central-Hospital-Photo-310-Collapsed-Jubilee-
Hospital_fig8_36428279)

The Bhuj Hospital in Gujarat became a key example of disaster management

and mitigation after it faced extensive damage due to the 2001 Bhuj
Earthquake.

Figure 12: Components of resilient healthcare infrastructure

1. Preparedness and Response:
 Prior to the earthquake, the hospital, like many other structures in Bhuj, was
not built to withstand high-intensity seismic activity.
 When the earthquake hit on January 26, 2001, measuring 7.7 on the Richter
scale, it caused significant structural damage to the hospital, which affected
patient care and emergency services.
 Immediate Response: Following the collapse of portions of the building,
patients and staff were evacuated. Temporary medical camps and field
hospitals were set up to handle the influx of injured patients.
2. Risk Assessment and Retrofitting:
 Post-earthquake Damage Assessment: After the earthquake, structural
engineers and disaster management teams conducted assessments to
evaluate the damage to the hospital. The building was found to be structurally
compromised, with key medical areas, like the intensive care unit, destroyed.
 Seismic Retrofitting: Based on the assessments, the hospital underwent
extensive retrofitting. Some retrofitting strategies included:
o Strengthening weak structures such as columns and beams.

o Adding shear walls to enhance lateral stability.

o Base isolation techniques were introduced to absorb seismic forces

and reduce building movement during future earthquakes.
3. Reconstruction and Restoration:
 Rebuilding for Resilience: The hospital's reconstruction was undertaken
with a focus on creating an earthquake-resistant structure. This was achieved
by following upgraded seismic codes that emphasized resilient infrastructure.
 The hospital’s critical areas, such as the emergency wing, operation theaters,
and wards, were reinforced to handle future seismic activity.
 Backup Systems: The restoration also included systems for backup power,
water, and medical supplies to ensure continuous operation during disasters.
4. Training and Capacity Building:
 Training Programs: To improve disaster preparedness, the hospital
organized staff training for managing emergencies. These programs included
evacuation drills, patient triage, and crisis communication protocols.
 The hospital collaborated with government bodies and local agencies to
ensure that the staff could handle large-scale emergencies effectively in the
future.
5. Collaboration and Funding:
 Government and International Support: The restoration of Bhuj Hospital
was supported by funding from the Indian government and international
agencies such as the World Bank and UNDP. These funds helped ensure
that the hospital's retrofitting met modern safety standards.
 Expert Collaboration: The hospital worked with disaster management
experts and seismic engineers to incorporate best practices in retrofitting and
disaster resilience.
 4. BUILDING RETROFICATION AFTER
EARTHQUAKE DAMAGES.
Retrofitting refers to the process of strengthening existing buildings and structures to
make them more resistant to seismic forces after they have sustained damage from
an earthquake. Earthquake damage can weaken a building's structural integrity,
making it vulnerable to collapse in future seismic events. Retrofitting helps restore
and enhance the building’s ability to withstand these forces.

Figure 13: Collapsed Bhuj Central Hospital Source:

(https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Diagram-of-external-seismic-retrofit_fig1_335532233)

Key Steps in Building Retrofitting After Earthquake Damages:

1. Damage Assessment:
- After an earthquake, a detailed inspection is carried out by structural engineers to
assess the extent of damage. This assessment identifies which parts of the building
are compromised and need repair or reinforcement.
- The evaluation focuses on both visible damage (like cracks in walls or buckled
floors) and hidden weaknesses (such as damaged foundations or compromised
load-bearing structures).
2. Identifying Retrofitting Needs:
- Engineers determine the specific areas of the building that need retrofitting based
on their vulnerabilities to seismic forces. These areas often include:
- Foundations: If the foundation is cracked or shifted, the building loses stability.
- Columns and Beams: These critical structural elements may buckle or crack
under seismic loads.
- Walls: Cracked or damaged walls may not provide sufficient lateral resistance
during earthquakes.
3. Strengthening Techniques:
Depending on the damage, several retrofitting techniques may be applied:
- Shear Walls:
Reinforced concrete or steel shear walls are added to buildings to provide lateral
stability. These walls help absorb and redistribute seismic forces, reducing the risk of
collapse.
- Base Isolation:
This technique involves placing bearings or isolators between the building and its
foundation. These isolators reduce the transmission of ground motion to the
structure, allowing it to "float" above the seismic forces.

Figure 14: Base-isolated Showcase Building Project Source:

(https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/resistoflex-seismic-base-isolated-showcase-building-project-usha-devi/)
 - Bracing Systems:
Steel braces are installed in walls and between floors to enhance the building's
ability to resist lateral forces. These braces provide additional support and stiffness
to the structure.
- Foundation Reinforcement:
The building’s foundation may be retrofitted by adding concrete, steel
reinforcements, or even constructing new foundations. This ensures that the building
remains anchored and stable during an earthquake.
- Column and Beam Jacketing:
Columns and beams can be wrapped or "jacketed" with additional concrete or steel
to enhance their strength. This technique increases the load-bearing capacity of
these elements, making them less likely to fail during an earthquake.

Figure 15: Typical details Source:

(https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/resistoflex-seismic-base-isolated-showcase-building-project-usha-devi/)

- Roof and Floor Strengthening:

The roof and floors may be reinforced with steel plates or additional concrete to
increase their resistance to collapse and prevent them from buckling under seismic
forces.
4. Seismic Dampers:
- Seismic dampers are devices installed in a building to absorb and dissipate the
energy generated by an earthquake. They function like shock absorbers in a car,
reducing the amount of force that travels through the structure.
 Figure 16: Pendulum isolators Source:
(https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/resistoflex-seismic-base-isolated-showcase-building-project-usha-devi/)

5. Crack Repair and Sealing:

- After an earthquake, cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings are sealed with special
materials that can also help prevent further deterioration. This not only restores
structural integrity but also protects the building from moisture or other environmental
factors that could worsen the damage.

Case Study: Bhuj Hospital Retrofitting After the 2001 Earthquake

The Bhuj Earthquake of January 26, 2001, caused massive destruction in the Kutch
region of Gujarat, India. Measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, it led to the collapse of
thousands of buildings, including hospitals. Bhuj Hospital, a critical healthcare
provider in the area, was severely damaged. This case study illustrates the
retrofitting efforts that were undertaken to restore the hospital and ensure its
resilience against future seismic events.
1. Initial Damage Assessment:
After the earthquake, structural engineers conducted a comprehensive assessment
of Bhuj Hospital’s building. The findings revealed extensive structural damage,
particularly in key medical areas, including:
 Collapsed Walls:
Several internal and external walls were either completely collapsed or had
major cracks, which significantly weakened the structural integrity of the
building.
 Damaged Foundation:
The hospital’s foundation had developed cracks, compromising its ability to
 support the structure. The damage was severe in some areas, requiring
immediate stabilization to prevent further deterioration.
 Compromised Beams and Columns:
The primary load-bearing components, including beams and columns,
showed signs of buckling and cracks, indicating that they could no longer
carry the building’s weight efficiently.
 Medical Infrastructure Damage:
The intensive care units (ICUs), operation theaters, and laboratories were
rendered inoperable. Many critical medical devices and equipment were also
destroyed or damaged beyond repair.
Given the importance of the hospital in providing healthcare to the earthquake-
stricken region, restoration and retrofitting became a priority.
2. Retrofitting Solutions:
Retrofitting Bhuj Hospital was a multi-stage process that involved the application of
advanced engineering techniques to strengthen the structure and ensure its safety
against future earthquakes. Here are the key retrofitting solutions implemented:
a. Shear Wall Installation:
 Purpose: To provide lateral resistance and stabilize the building against
horizontal seismic forces.
 Process: Engineers constructed reinforced concrete shear walls in
strategic locations throughout the hospital. These walls were added to areas
of the building that were vulnerable to side-to-side motion during earthquakes.
By distributing seismic forces across the structure, shear walls help prevent
localized collapse and improve overall stability.

Figure 17: External view to Bhuj hospital new construction Source:

(https://www.hospitalmanagement.net/projects/bhuji/?cf-view)

b. Foundation Reinforcement:
 Purpose: To stabilize the foundation and enhance the load-bearing capacity
of the hospital’s structure.
  Process: The hospital’s foundation was reinforced with additional concrete
and steel reinforcements. Cracks were repaired using high-strength
materials, and the foundation was anchored deeper into the ground to
improve its resistance to seismic shaking. The reinforced foundation ensured
that the building remained firmly anchored even in the event of future quakes.
c. Column and Beam Jacketing:
 Purpose: To strengthen the existing columns and beams and increase their
ability to carry loads during seismic events.
 Process: Steel or concrete jackets were applied to the existing beams and
columns. These jackets acted like a second layer, providing additional
strength to the damaged structural components. This method improved the
hospital’s ability to withstand both vertical and lateral forces during an
earthquake.
d. Base Isolation Installation:

Figure 18: Rubber bearing provided to Bhuj hospital. Source:

(https://civilenggseminar.blogspot.com/2017/01/base-isolation-and-seismic_3.html)

 Purpose: To reduce the transmission of ground motion to the building during

an earthquake.
 Process: In areas where it was feasible, base isolators were installed.
These isolators act as shock absorbers, decoupling the building from the
ground. They allow the building to move independently from the shaking
ground, thus reducing the stress and forces exerted on the structure. This was
particularly important in areas like the hospital’s emergency wing, which
needed to remain operational during and after earthquakes.
e. Roof and Floor Strengthening:
 Purpose: To prevent collapse of the building's roof and floors under seismic
stress.
 Process: Engineers reinforced the roof and floor slabs with steel plates and
additional concrete layers. This added rigidity to the building, reducing the risk
of floors pancaking during an earthquake.
f. Seismic Dampers:

Figure 19: Rubber bearing provided to Bhuj hospital. Source:

(https://ana.ir/en/news/737/iranian-researcher-designs-seismic-dampers-to-increase-resistance-of-buildings-against-
quakes)

 Purpose: To absorb and dissipate the energy generated during an

earthquake.
 Process: Seismic dampers were installed in key areas to reduce the amount
of seismic energy transferred to the structure. These dampers act like large
shock absorbers and help in preventing excessive vibrations and damage
during future earthquakes.
3. Restoration of Critical Medical Infrastructure:
In addition to retrofitting the building, significant efforts were made to restore the
hospital’s critical medical infrastructure. These included:
 Emergency Wing Restoration:
The emergency wing was a priority for retrofitting and rebuilding. It was
reconstructed with additional safety features, such as reinforced walls and
independent backup power systems, to ensure that it could remain functional
during a future disaster.
 Operation Theaters and ICUs:
Specialized retrofitting was carried out in the operation theaters and ICUs.
These areas were designed with earthquake-resistant features to ensure they
 could remain operational during seismic events. Seismic bracing was also
added to protect sensitive medical equipment from damage.
 Backup Power and Water Systems:
During the restoration, the hospital's backup power generators and water
supply systems were upgraded. This ensured that, even in the event of a
major earthquake, the hospital would have uninterrupted power and water for
critical functions.
5. Training and Disaster Preparedness:

Figure 20: Management training services Source:

(https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/disaster-management-training-services-26397988812.html?mTd=1)

Beyond physical retrofitting, disaster preparedness became a key focus for Bhuj
Hospital. Recognizing that even the best-engineered buildings can suffer damage
during an earthquake, the hospital implemented a comprehensive disaster
management plan:
 Staff Training:
Hospital staff underwent specialized training in emergency response,
including earthquake drills, evacuation protocols, and mass casualty
management. This training was crucial to ensure that medical personnel could
respond quickly and effectively during future seismic events.
 Coordination with Local Authorities:
The hospital worked closely with local authorities and disaster response
agencies to create a coordinated emergency plan. This plan included
provisions for medical supplies, patient transfers, and collaboration with field
hospitals in case of a future earthquake.
5. Outcome and Long-Term Resilience:
Thanks to the extensive retrofitting and restoration efforts, Bhuj Hospital was not
only restored but also became a model for earthquake-resistant healthcare
infrastructure. The retrofitting ensured that the hospital could withstand future
seismic activity while continuing to serve the medical needs of the region.
Some of the long-term benefits of the retrofitting included:
 Increased Safety:
The hospital now meets modern seismic safety standards, significantly
reducing the risk of structural failure during future earthquakes.
 Improved Disaster Response:
With its upgraded emergency services and disaster preparedness plan, Bhuj
Hospital is better equipped to handle large-scale emergencies and mass
casualties in the event of future natural disasters.

Figure 21: Before and after Bhuj hospital. Source:

(https://www.facebook.com/discoveryplusIN/photos/like-the-gk-general-hospital-many-schools-and-houses-destroyed-
in-the-2001-earth/337533191153416/)
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 (https://civilenggseminar.blogspot.com/2017/01/base-isolation-and-
seismic_3.html)
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 (https://theconstructor.org/earthquake/earthquake-resistant-
techniques/5607/#google_vignette)
 (https://www.aacounty.org/emergency-management/disaster-
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 (https://www.aacounty.org/emergency-management/disaster-
mitigation)
 (https://www.facebook.com/discoveryplusIN/photos/like-the-gk-
general-hospital-many-schools-and-houses-destroyed-in-the-2001-
earth/337533191153416/)
 (https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/destructive-and-constructive-
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 (https://www.hospitalmanagement.net/projects/bhuji/?cf-view)
 (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/resistoflex-seismic-base-isolated-
showcase-building-project-usha-devi/)
 (https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Diagram-of-external-seismic-
retrofit_fig1_335532233)