Natural disasters and severe weather are the greatest of tests – of people, the structures they construct and the societies they have created.
The forces and energy involved in these extreme events – whether delivered through wind, water, flames or seismic activity – place tremendous stresses that can cause ruin or reveal resilience.
Whether it is a single intense event – such as a tornado or an earthquake – or a lasting stretch of harsh conditions – such as bitter temperatures and rising water – we seek protection from the elements – often in the buildings where we reside, work, study and otherwise rely on to live.
We need those buildings to stay standing and be secure. There have been numerous natural disasters recently that have tested buildings across North America. A number of them have not provided the security people depend on.
In Mexico City in September 2017, nearly 200 people died there when an earthquake hit the region. Dozens of buildings collapsed in the city, including a school where 19 children and seven adults were killed. Around 3000 buildings in the capital city were damaged, according the mayor of that city.
New building standards were put in place after the 1985 quake that killed 9,500 people, but questions are being asked about corruption and a lack of enforcement of standards. Geology, geography and physics must also be considered because each earthquake is different impacting how buildings respond.
With each natural disaster or extreme weather event, there are lessons to be learned. They are investigated. Reports are produced. Buildings that perform well demonstrate effective methods. Buildings that do not reveal shortcomings and the specific areas for improvement.
Research is undertaken (including at the Saskatchewan Centre for Masonry Design.) Standards are updated. Designs are modernized. Buildings are improved. Lives are spared.
In Canada, there is a renewal of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) S304 “Design of Masonry Structures” standard coming. This standard provides the minimum design requirements for masonry buildings. The CSA Group’s standards are commonly referenced in building codes at the national, provincial and municipal level.
Research investigating the capacity of masonry systems to withstand seismic activity is being undertaken by a PhD candidate at Concordia University’s Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Mohammed Albutainy expects his research will be seriously considered during the renewal process of the CSA’s “Design of Masonry Structures” standard.
When disaster hits, rebuilding must occur. In areas like Texas and Florida, which were hit by devastating hurricanes this year, contractors are being discouraged from rebuilding what was there before. They are encouraged to reinforce masonry buildings so they are more wind-resistant to lower the amount of damage sustained in future hurricanes.
Masonry is one of man’s oldest building systems. It has been proven to be resistant to fire, mould, wind, impact, and weathering. It is tried and tested – in the real world and in labs, such as the one at Concordia University. And research is continuing to find ways improve, so that when we are tested by Mother Nature’s forces, people find their buildings are resilient.
Natural disasters and severe weather are the greatest of tests – of people, the structures they construct and the societies they have created.
Numerous natural disasters have tested buildings across North America recently. A number of them have not provided the security people depend on.
In Mexico City in September 2017, an earthquake caused dozens of buildings to collapse, including a school, killing 19 children and seven adults. Around 3000 buildings were damaged, according the mayor, and nearly 200 people died.
New building standards were set after the 1985 quake there that killed 9,500 people, but questions are being asked about corruption and a lack of enforcement of those standards. However, geology, geography and physics must also be considered.
With each event, lessons are learned. The events and damage are investigated. Reports are produced. Buildings that perform well demonstrate effective methods. Buildings that do not reveal areas for improvement.
Research is done (including at the Saskatchewan Centre for Masonry Design.) Standards are updated. Designs are modernized. Buildings are improved. Lives are spared.
In Canada, a renewal of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) S304 “Design of Masonry Structures” standard is coming. This standard provides the minimum design requirements for masonry buildings. The CSA Group’s standards are commonly referenced in building codes at the national, provincial and municipal level.
Research investigating the capacity of masonry systems to withstand seismic activity has been undertaken by a PhD candidate at Concordia University’s Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering. Mohammed Albutainy expects his research to be seriously considered during the renewal process of the CSA’s “Design of Masonry Structures” standard.
After disaster hits, rebuilding must occur. In areas like Texas and Florida, recently hit by devastating hurricanes, contractors have been discouraged from rebuilding what existed before. Reinforced masonry buildings are being recommended so they are more wind-resistant to lower the amount of damage sustained in future hurricanes.
Masonry is one of man’s oldest building systems. It has been proven to be resistant to fire, mould, wind, impact, and weathering. It is tried and tested – in the real world and in labs, such as the one at Concordia University. And research is continuing to find ways improve masonry, so that when we are tested by Mother Nature’s forces, people find their buildings are resilient.
