EARTHQUAKE-PROOF BUILDINGS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 217, 11 June 1935, Page 9

EARTHQUAKE-PROOF BUILDINGS

India Interested in New Zealander’s Design Calcutta, June 9. The New Zealand architect, Mr. R. W. de Montalk (Wellington,), has presented his device for earthquake-proof buildings to the Government, whose experts are impressed with its possibilities. It is likely to be used in rebuilding. In the course of a special article written for “The Dominion” some time ago, Mr. R. W. de Montalk expressed his ' views on suitable construction in the following terms: — . , , (a) The design shall conform to a low centre of gravity. (b) The site shall be consolidated or otherwise treated so as to enable it properly to support the building and its contents. (c) The structure shall . rest on a severer or separator, held in such manner that the severer shrfll be. retained permanently in the original position in which it was placed. " If is of course .understood that the building is well balanced in plan, of good materials and workmanship, . and of strength required due to gravity. No greater strength is necessary. By compliance with this simple law, damage by- earthquake to buildings, bridges, etc., will be prevented. In addition, vibrations set up from all other causes such as traffic, working machinery, rushing water, etc., affecting buildings, bridges, reservoirs, turbines and the like, will be nullified. Th<? following describes a foundation in full compliance with the above law: 1. A platform of reinforced concrete covering the area of.the building. .A rim is turned up around its edges forming the platform into a tray, the purpose being to contain and retain the bed of shingle referred to in 2. The platform may be supported on trench walls brought down to a hard bearing surface, or may be supported on piles. It can thus be made of a strength capable of properly supporting the weight of any building. _ The platform is “fixed” in the ground, form-ing-an integral part with the latter; therefore it will move with the ground i when an earthquake takes place. Tho platform is not the foundation of the building, though it is an absolutely necessary adjunct to it, but is a consolidation of the site in compliance with B of the 13 2; A bed of shingle fa spread over the surface of the platform and filled to the height of the rim. The shingle, resting on the reinforced concrete platform,. is thereby prevented from being pressed into the soil by the weight of the building. Likewise the rim around the platform prevents the shingle from being displaced laterally. In this way the shingle is permanently held in position in accordance with 0 of the law. The shingle bed is the medium which separates the building from the country. 3. The foundation of the building is a reinforced concrete slab (termed the soleplate), covering the area of the building. and is spread over the bed of shingle contained on the platform: this is. otherwise an ordinary floating foundation out of which the building rises. Tins foundation slab has no attachment whatever with the platform : a severance has been mado by the bed of shingle. Hence when an earthoimke occurs, the platform, which if “fixed” in the F ron ’ I , rt ’ shakes “under” the building, and the building avoids the shake because of the interposition of the bed shingle between the platform and the building. It is better and more sensible to build so as to "avoid” powerful forces rather than endeavour to “resist” them.