Experts: Do impact studies first
The Star 31/3/2005
KUALA LUMPUR: Several experts have proposed that earthquake-impact studies
be done before introducing new guidelines on the construction of
quake-safe high-rise buildings.
Geotechnical consultant Dr Gue See Sew said that this was because Malaysia
was outside the seismic zone and the nearest zone was 500km away on the
western side of Sumatra.
Dr Gue, who is also past president of Institute of Engineers of Malaysia,
said it would be better to do research on the “sensitivity” of the rock
and soil in particular areas and calibrate with the various prediction
models for earthquakes.
Such studies would show whether there was really a need for a new building
design code, he added.
A.J. Lakshiminarayanan, a civil and structural engineer for 30 years, said
the authorities should put in place a monitoring system to measure the
vibration and tremor levels experienced by Malaysia.
“Without measuring the tremors felt here, we will not be able to tell the
exact impact on our buildings,” he said.
Asked about public concerns over cracks appearing on buildings, Dr Gue
said it must be investigated to determine if these were structural cracks
or partition cracks.
He said cracks in partition walls or brick walls were not serious but if
fresh cracks appeared on the columns and beams, then structural engineers
must be called in for further investigation.
He also said if any building in Malaysia was unsafe, it would have
collapsed or crumbled during the Dec 26 and March 28 quakes.
Dr Gue said members of the public should not unduly panic, as Malaysian
buildings were still considered safe.
Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) president Professor Abang Abdullah
Abang Ali said the buildings in Malaysia were not designed to withstand
earthquake and tremors because the country was not in the earthquake zone.
However, he said that in view of the recent earthquakes, IEM would have to
meet and discuss whether there was a need to make provisions for
earthquakes in the design of loadings for the buildings,” he said.
In the case of old buildings, he said they might have to be strengthened.
Malaysian Public Works Institute (Ikram) civil and structure technical
director Dr Ch’ng Guan Bee said it would be advisable for property owners
to have the structures checked by professional engineers.
“Even if there are no cracks, the structure may be damaged and the next
aftershock might seriously affect the integrity of the building,” he said.
Consultant engineer Dr Lee Chin Teh said it was advisable for occupants of
high-rise buildings where cracks have appeared to vacate the premises
pending safety checks.
He said some high-rise buildings such as the KLCC, Penang Bridge and KL
Tower were built to withstand aftershocks.
Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr
Jamaluddin Jarjis said a total of 55 aftershocks had been recorded since
Monday's earthquake. |
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