Traditional and Modern Disaster Resistant House Construction Techniques

Abstract

A large portion of the wealth of any nation is invested in its built-up environment viz, housing, infrastructure, industrial and commercial facilities. The quality of this built-up environment, expressed in terms of durability, safety and functionality, is a determining factor for the quality of life and economic development of the society, and the competitiveness of its industry and services. Extensive loss of this wealth is caused by natural disasters that strike periodically. A natural disaster is an event of nature that causes sudden destruction, damaging the economy and social structure on a massive scale. The calamity results in a huge financial burden in terms of relief and rescue operations. All-round decline in production, unemployment, indebtedness as well as increased cost of goods and services are the other debilitating results of natural disasters. This research paper deals with the traditional as well as modern disaster resistant construction techniques to meet the aftermath of disasters. It examines the issue of damage to Reinforced Concrete Cement (RCC) buildings by underlying the necessity of adherence to building codes and standards. Some recent advances in housing technology are also highlighted.