Malaysia is located near the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for volcanic activities and earthquakes. The country’s proximity to this seismically active area means that high-rise buildings can experience the effects of earthquakes occurring as far as 500 kilometers away. In light of this, experts believe it is crucial to incorporate safety features into buildings in Malaysia.
The Institution of Engineers (IEM) has proposed that buildings in Sabah, where a 6.0 magnitude earthquake occurred in 2015, should be designed to withstand similar ground shakes. Similarly, a minimum design standard of 4.9 on the Richter scale has been recommended for buildings in Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. Incorporating these standards may add an estimated cost of 5% to 15% to the total building cost.
Dr. Lee Hoong Pin, an associate professor from Inti International University, emphasizes the importance of balancing cost and the safety of building occupants. He suggests various structural strengthening methods that can be implemented, such as installing bracings and wrapping columns in reinforced polymer fiber. Temporary evacuation of occupants may be necessary during the implementation of these methods.
Regulations are already in place for the design of buildings in Malaysia to withstand seismic activity. The National Annex to Eurocode 8 (EC8) is the construction standard for seismic resistance of building structures. This standard requires the submission of detailed structural plans and calculations to the local council before construction begins.
The Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004 and the 2015 Ranau earthquake in Sabah prompted the establishment of the new standard. However, the implementation of the standard depends on the gazetting of building by-laws by the respective states and federal territories. Some states may include additional sections in the by-laws that they deem necessary.
To monitor seismic activities, the Mineral and Geoscience Department has installed 60 active fault monitoring devices along fault lines throughout Malaysia. Six of these devices can provide real-time monitoring in Sabah, while another six have been installed in Selangor, where a fault line with the potential to become an epicenter has been identified.
Information obtained from the fault monitoring devices is used to interpret the potential strength and intensity of earthquakes and is also used to produce the Seismic Hazard Map in 2019. This map is shared with various agencies for the purpose of earthquake-resistant building design compliance, disaster risk management, and development planning in earthquake risk zones.
Peninsular Malaysia has experienced several earthquakes of magnitudes ranging from 1.6 to 4.6 on the Richter scale. Most of these tremors are related to earthquakes occurring in Indonesia and the Philippines. Tremors have also been recorded in the Klang Valley.
Overall, it is crucial for Malaysia to prioritize building safety in high-risk seismic areas, and the implementation of regulations and monitoring systems can help enhance the resilience of buildings to earthquakes.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
