Chandigarh: Since Chandigarh falls under seismic zone IV, the Municipal Corporation (MC) is making its buildings earthquake resistant in line with the norms of the Chandigarh administration. These regulations comprise the National Building Code (NBC) and other parameters.
The “Non-destructive test” is the key for the authority to check the strength, usability, and other standard parameters of buildings, besides ascertaining if there are cracks or damage in the structures.
“We have been constructing earthquake-resistant buildings. The most crucial parameter is that all the buildings are RCC-framed structures made of columns and beams connected to act as a single unit. In all the framed structures, a plinth beam is provided in the foundation, which binds all the building units to act as a single unit during an earthquake and sustains firmly,” an MC engineering official explained.
A building audit is done if cracks appear in any building or if the authority feels unsafe. MC engineering department conducted such an audit a few years back for connected passages in Sector 17 markets. A similar proposal has been made for the ones in Sector 22.
“In the case of connecting passages in Sector 17, old passages constructed three to four decades back were demolished, and fresh ones were constructed. Now, the same exercise has been planned in the case of connected passages in Sector 22 connected passages, as they have worn out, and cracks can be seen in the open. The old structures will be demolished, and new ones will be constructed as per the laid down norms and guidelines”, an official said.
Source- timesofindia.indiatimes.com
