Calls for earthquake provisions in Abu Dhabi

Seismic provisions are vital to ensure buildings and sites stay safe

The Abu Dhabi building codes will call for contractors to implement earthquake provisions when designing and constructing a building in the emirate, it has been revealed.

Speaking to ConstructionWeekOnline.com, Dr. S K Ghosh of S K Ghosh Associates, a seismic and building code consulting practice, said that even in the Gulf, where there are few earthquakes, seismic provisions should be considered.

“There aren’t many earthquakes in the Gulf but they are quite common in Iran and an earthquake there would definitely be felt out here,” he said.

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“Ground motion caused by earthquakes can be significant, so provisions definitely need to be considered.”

Ghosh spoke at a three day workshop organised by the Abu Dhabi Department for Municipal Affairs, which ended on Thursday, in order to prepare industry professionals for the new codes.

However, he explained that the building codes are not enough to encourage contractors to implement seismic provisions.

“Adopting the code is one thing but what is also important, if not more important, is the enforcement of the code. In the US there are designs that are checked by the local jurisdiction. There are also inspectors that go to the site to make sure that construction complies with the building codes,” he said.

“These mechanisms have to be developed here. There needs to be inspections because contractors may not comply with the code and then the purpose of the regulations is defeated.”