Some hazard-resistant construction techniques
Some of the key hazard-resistant construction techniques that community members can learn to identify are shown below.
Construction workers will need more detailed guidance provided by well-qualified engineers.
Earthquake shear ties: Reinforcing steel shear ties, shown here in
red, loop around the reinforcing bars in columns and beams. The
shear ties allow columns and beams to bend but not crumble apart
in earthquakes. To be effective in earthquakes, shear ties need to
be closely spaced where columns and beams intersect. The ends
of the shear ties also need to be bent so they point inward at a 45
degree angle towards the center of the column or beam.
Concrete mix proportioning: Exact measurements of cement,
sand, gravel and water ensures concrete mixed on-site meets
design specifications.
Tie-down straps: Simple metal straps that attach roof trusses to
wall frames help keep roofs from blowing off in high winds.
Fire-resistant materials: Removing flammable vegetation on
the ground and trimming lower branches of trees can lessen the
intensity of fires near school buildings. Non-flammable metal or clay
roofs can further protect schools as wildfires sweep across a site.
SECTION III: CONSTRUCTION
Deformed steel bars: When reinforcing steel has bumps and
deformations, concrete grips to it better than when the steel bars are
smooth.
Foundation anchors: Plates or bars connecting columns or walls
to the foundation help keep a school building from sliding off its
foundation in high winds, fast-flowing water or earthquakes.
Technical specifications for hazard-resistant construction ar e addressed in the International Building Code for many
materials. For local materials not well covered by this code, see the guidance documents listed in the Resources for safer
design box in the Community Design Stage section.
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