The author of Nepal’s building code says the earthquake that killed more than 4,300 people and caused at least $2 billion in economic losses could have been less destructive if the code had been properly implemented and enforced.
The tragedy was predictable given the conditions of the nation’s building stock. “It was inevitable, absolutely inevitable,” Richard Sharpe told Bloomberg Business. Sharpe is a New Zealand earthquake engineer who led a team that formulated Nepal’s only set of building standards 20 years ago.
The earthquake struck during a period following a decade-long Maoist guerrilla war that preceded years of political struggles following the removal of a 240-year-old monarchy in 2008. The unrest made code implementation and enforcement much more difficult.
What’s more, the capital of Kathmandu has expanded to an old lake bed south of the city— an area that is unstable and susceptible to liquefaction—in recent years. Buildings have not been designed to cope with those conditions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
AIA releases new architect commissioning document
It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017
ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard
Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017
Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA
Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017
Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative
Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2017
AIA revises architect scope documents in latest contract form release
Design-bid-build forms last updated in 2007.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2017
Boston’s Old South Church asks tower developer for $19 million for casting shade
Request highlights ongoing conflict between developers and residents over right to sunshine.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2017
Asphalt roofing design guide now available in digital form
Recently updated Modified Bitumen Design Guide can be viewed on smartphones and tablets.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2017
Energy efficiency investments on the rise; will increase next year
Survey of facility management executives shows onsite renewables, energy storage will spike in 2018.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2017
AIA contract document updates include new BIM, digital data provisions
Documents are structurally different from 2007, 2008 versions.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2017
IAPMO seeks proposals for 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code
The deadline is March 16, 2018.