A recent disaster has struck Myanmar, killing over 1600 lives. The earthquake was felt all around South-East Asia, in Thailand and China. Our Geology lecturers have teamed up with the science department to help you understand why these Earthquakes happen and how our buildings stay strong even after a direct hit.
Myanmar sits in a seismically active region due to its location along the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Indian plate is pushing northward into Eurasia at a rate of about 4–5 cm per year, creating immense pressure that results in frequent earthquakes. The country experiences moderate to strong earthquakes regularly, with the last major one occurring in March 2023 (magnitude 6.8). Historically, Myanmar has faced devastating quakes, such as the 1930 Bago earthquake (magnitude 7.3), which caused widespread destruction. Given the region’s tectonic activity, earthquakes are inevitable, but understanding their patterns helps in preparedness.
Engineers and architects have developed several techniques to make buildings more resilient against seismic forces. First, is base isolation. Buildings are placed on shock absorbers or rubber bearings that allow them to move independently of the ground. This reduces the transfer of seismic waves to the structure.
Then, structural framing is reinforced using steel concrete which provides ductility, similar to the shock absorbers, allowing the building to wobble and bend without compromising the structural integrity. Moreover, shear walls (thick concrete walls) and cross-bracing (steel X-shaped supports) help distribute seismic forces. And to further reduce the inertia force during a shaking, lightweight materials are placed on top of buildings to counteract swaying. Think of it as adding force on top, to hold the structure steady, like placing your hand on top of a vertical book!
Most importantly, Architects have adopted an earthquake-resistant Architectural Design meaning symmetrical shapes, square or circular which perform better than irregular shapes. Short and sturdy structures handle shaking better than tall, slender ones. Although high-rise buildings are becoming more and more popular, in places prone to earthquakes, those tall buildings are rarely visible. Countries like Japan and Chile use these methods extensively, but in Myanmar, many older buildings lack such features, making them vulnerable. No doubt after the recent disaster, the people of Myanmar will be taking extra preventive measures.
If you are unlucky to find yourself in this situation,
✓ Keep calm and find something sturdy to hide in
✓ Check for gas leaks or electrical hazards
✓ Be prepared for aftershocks
✓ Stay tuned in, follow official updates for evacuation orders as necessary.
Want to dive deeper into geology and earthquakes? Contact us now! And sign up for our Geology Lessons!!!
Comments