Are buildings designed for seismic performance?

01 Jun 2019 CW Staff

A survey reported by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has found that in the past 25 years, over 25,000 human fatalities were caused primarily by the collapse of buildings during earthquakes (2015). Reports also indicate that the observed performance of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is highly unsatisfactory. While a well-designed RC building should be able to withstand an earthquake of up to 7.5 on the Richter scale, during the 2001 Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat, RC buildings collapsed from an earthquake of just 6 on the Richter scale.

According to Dr Paresh Shah, Professor & Dean, Faculty of Technology, CEPT University, “Many designers do not have enough expertise for earthquake-resistant design or ductile detailing of structures; so, their designed structures may be unsafe in case of an earthquake of larger magnitude.”

And Dr Pramod Kumar Gupta, Professor, Structural Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT-Roorkee, says, “We have seen the performance of different buildings constructed at different places over the past 100 years. The intensity of earthquakes at different places is not same.”

SHRIYAL SETHUMADHAVAN

Infrastructure Urban

17 Sep 2025

Goa Approves Rs 1.92 Billion Mapusa Bus Stand Project

The Goa state government has announced plans to construct a new, modern bus stand in Mapusa, addressing a long-standing demand from Bardez residents. The project, to be executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, will involve an investment of approximately Rs 1.92 billion.The decision comes after reports highlighted the deteriorating condition of the existing bus stand, which suffers from potholes, garbage accumulation and waterlogging during the monsoon.The new bus stand will be developed over an area exceeding 27,000 square metres and will offer significant improvements, includi..

Maharashtra Approves Rs 23.49 Billion Metro Line 11 Project

The Maharashtra government has approved the Rs 23.49 billion Metro Line 11 (Green Line) project, which will link Wadala to the Gateway of India through 14 stations, aiming to reduce congestion in central and south Mumbai. According to a resolution from the state’s urban development department (UDD), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will contribute Rs 2.41 billion and the Mumbai Port Authority (MbPA) Rs 804 million, as the line improves connectivity in their areas. The state and central governments will each provide Rs 3.14 billion.In case of cost overruns, local authorities are r..

Mumbai’s CSMT Metro Station Nears Completion on Aqua Line

The construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Metro station on the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Line is nearing completion. Photos shared by X user @haldilal reveal the station’s striking arched entrance, glasswork and modern façade.Known as the Aqua Line, Metro 3 is Mumbai’s first fully underground corridor. It spans 33.5 km between Cuffe Parade (Colaba) and Aarey, with 27 stations — 26 underground and one at grade.The Three Phases of Metro-3Phase 1 – Aarey to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC): The 12.69 km section opened to the public on 7 October 2024.Phase 2A – BKC to Worl..