Heavy Building Research Articles

The impact of thermal mass on cold and hot climate zones of Portugal

The aim of this paper is focused on the energy performance of buildings containing massive wall alternatives. The analysis comprised the comparison of the heating and cooling loads of seven characteristic wall configurations of one sample building with different dynamic internal heat capacity (ISO 13790:2008) in spite of the equal thermal resistance. The equal thermal resistance, as derived from simple steady-state condition, was imposed in order to allow research of effects solely attributed to the wall heat capacity on the building performance. A detached one floor dwelling exposed to different climate conditions in Portugal was analysed to illustrate the effect of the same wall in terms of energy demand during cold and hot weather conditions. A whole building dynamic modelling using EnergyPlus was employed for the energy analysis. The best thermal performance was obtained with massive walls that were located at the inner side, for a very heavy weight building and high building time constant.

Stochastic ground motion modelling of the largest Mw 5.9 + aftershocks of the Canterbury 2010–2011 earthquake sequence

ABSTRACTThe 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence includes the 22 February 2011 Christchurch aftershock (Mw 6.2), the June 2011 Mw 6.0 aftershock and the December 2011 magnitude (ML) 5.8 and 6.0 aftershocks. These events caused widespread liquefaction, landslides and heavy building damage and collapse. To better understand the contributions of the source, path and site effects to these damaging ground motions, we compute broadband synthetic seismograms for the largest Mw 5.9 + aftershocks of the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence at near-source sites. We employ a stochastic approach to compute the seismograms that is not only controlled by detailed source models but also by regional parameters derived using spectral inversion of the extensive Canterbury strong-motion dataset. Our results show that using appropriate stress drop value and site-specific amplification functions helps greatly to reproduce key engineering parameters such as peak ground accelerations (PGAs) and response spectra.

Accounting for soil nonlinearity in three-dimensional seismic structure-soilstructure-interaction analyses of adjacent tall buildings structures

The interactive effects of adjacent buildings on their seismic performance are not frequently considered in seismic design. The adjacent buildings, however, are interrelated through the soil during seismic ground motions. The seismic energy is redistributed in the neighboring buildings through multiple structure-soil-structure interactions (SSSI). For example, in an area congested with many nearby tall and/or heavy buildings, accounting for the proximity effects of the adjacent buildings is very important. To solve the problem of SSSI successfully, researchers indicate two main research areas where need the most attention: 1) accounting for soil nonlinearity in an efficient way, and 2) spatial analysis of full 3D soil-structure models. In the present study, three-dimensional finite element models of tall buildings on different flexible foundation soils are used to evaluate the extent of cross interaction of adjacent buildings. Soil nonlinearity under cyclic loading is accounted for by Equivalent Linear Method (ELM) as to conduct large parametric studies in the field of seismic soil-structure interaction, the application of ELM is preferred over other alternatives (such as application of complicated constitutive soil models) due to the efficiency and reliability of its results. 15 and 30 story steel structures with pile foundations on two sandy and clayey sites are designed according to modern codes and then subjected to several actual earthquake records scaled to represent the seismicity of the building sites. Results show the cross interaction of adjacent buildings on flexible soils, depending on their proximity, increases dynamic displacements of buildings and reduces their base shears.

EFFECT OF Al AND Si ON THE FORMATION OF AUSTENITE IN INTERCRITICAL TEMPERATURE RANGE IN Cr – Ni – Mo-STEEL

Aluminum and silicon alloying of Cr – Ni – Mo steel has been investigated. The described steel is used in energetic and heavy machine building engineering. The main aim of the present work was to improve mechanical properties of the steel such as plasticity and impact strength. The high temperature X-ray analysis is applied for understanding the ratio of α- & γ-phases in various temperature ranges. The critical points were determined and it was shown that the aluminum addition expands the critical temperature region while the silicon addition only moves this region to the higher temperatures. The crystal lattice parameter of austenite is the smallest at 740 °С. Silicon addition makes this temperature higher up to 760 °С. The influence of aluminum is more intensive, the temperature is 780 °С.

A5187 - Medium term effect of the seven-minute high intensity workout on body weight, lean body mass, grip strength and heart rate

Background: The Seven minute training program composed from aerobic and resistance exercises, is becoming a very popular workout. This is due to the fact that it targets individuals who would like to exercise but who have time constrains due to their busy lifestyles. The objective of the study is to investigate if this type of exercise, characterized by high intensity and very short duration would have a positive effect on body weight and composition, grip strength, heart rate and blood pressure. Methods: Only healthy participants between the ages of 18 to 30 are included in this study. The workout investigated here was developed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The duration of this study is 6 weeks where 42 participants in total will do the 7 minute workout 5 days a week. Measurements such as height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, middle upper arm circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, hand grip, and bioelectrical impedance are being collected and recorded during the beginning, middle, and the end of the full training program. Weight is recorded weekly. Participants will also fill a questionnaire related to their eating and physical activity habits. This will allow us to categorize them later based on their initial physical fitness and body weight. Measurements and the workout are conducted at the Lebanese American University in Beirut, Lebanon under supervision (data collection will end approximately on the 1 of June 2015). The study has been granted the Institutional Review Board approval. Preliminary Results: We have recruited 30 participants so far (19 women and 11 men) of which 17 have already finished the 6 week period. Preliminary analysis showed significant increase in hand grip strength (right and left) (p1⁄40.04) and an increase in the Mid-upper arm circumference (p1⁄40.032). A trend of decreasing waist to hip ratio is observed (p1⁄40.057). No changes in weight and BMI have been noted between the 1 and the 6 week yet. Body composition analysis is in process. Participants will be divided into categories depending on their baseline physical fitness level and their diet type. Conclusion: This novel intervention study will show the effect of very short duration high intensity exercise on anthropometric measures and heart rate. We expect an increase in muscle strength and mass. Body weight changes might not be perceived at this level as this activity does not involve remarkable fat loss, or heavy muscle building. This type of workout should be coupled with a complete exercise program, and should only be part of a healthy lifestyle and full workout program. Nevertheless individuals with time constraints can do the 7 minute workout on days when they cannot exercise for longer periods.

Thermal performance of glazed balconies within heavy weight/thermal mass buildings in Beirut, Lebanon's hot climate

The research aims to analyze the thermal performance of what is becoming a very common practice of glazing up balconies in fully exposed heavy weight buildings in Lebanon. Two apartments in one residential building, are monitored simultaneously for four full and consecutive days in late June 2011 one with a glazed balcony the other with a shaded one. Once the building's thermal simulation are calibrated using the EDSL TAS [1] software, parametric runs start by testing different orientations, followed by further shading and spatial manipulation and finishing with construction and thermostatic manipulations, giving an in-depth overview of the thermal performance of those balconies vis-à-vis the internal spaces. The research concludes with practical design recommendation and solutions for keeping with the glazing yet reducing considerably the annual cooling load.

APPLICATION OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TO VARIOUS BUILDING LIFETIME SHEARING LAYERS: SITE, STRUCTURE, SKIN, SERVICES, SPACE, AND STUFF

Currently, green rating systems are not directly related to environmental consequences. Moreover, rating systems score both building-related tasks with long lifetime expectancies and system-related tasks with short lifetime expectancies without separating them. Therefore, passive solar and bio-climatic architectures, which have long lifetime expectancies and thus have a strong, negative impact on the environment, are neglected. The main goal of this study is to explore differences in total environmental impact for a single “typical” building module (with the heavy wall building technology accepted in Israel) in terms of six different lifetime shearing layers, Site, Structure, Skin, Services, Space Plan, and Stuff, each of which reflects a different form of environmental damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the six shearing layers using life cycle assessment (LCA) by applying Eco-indicator 99 (EI99). It was found that the environmental damage associated with the Building layers (Site, Structure, and Skin) was higher than that associated with the Service layers (Services, Space Plan, and Stuff). The paper may contribute to the development of a more scientific (quantitative) background for green rating systems. As a result, a greater decrease in building-related ecological impacts can be achieved, thus encouraging sustainable building activities.

IceCube events and decaying dark matter: hints and constraints

In the light of the new IceCube data on the (yet unidentified) astrophysical neutrino flux in the PeV and sub-PeV range, we present an update on the status of decaying dark matter interpretation of the events. In particular, we develop further the angular distribution analysis and discuss the perspectives for diagnostics. By performing various statistical tests (maximum likelihood, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling tests) we conclude that currently the data show a mild preference (below the two sigma level) for the angular distribution expected from dark matter decay vs. the isotropic distribution foreseen for a conventional astrophysical flux of extragalactic origin. Also, we briefly develop some general considerations on heavy dark matter model building and on the compatibility of the expected energy spectrum of decay products with the IceCube data, as well as with existing bounds from gamma-rays. Alternatively, assuming that the IceCube data originate from conventional astrophysical sources, we derive bounds on both decaying and annihilating dark matter for various final states. The lower limits on heavy dark matter lifetime improve by up to an order of magnitude with respect to existing constraints, definitively making these events—even if astrophysical in origin—an important tool for astroparticle physics studies.

The Simulation of Hydraulic Synchronous Lift of Heavy Loads

Synchronous hydraulic machinery are intended (alebo utilised) to lift heavy building structures but also other heavy loads. The goal of this paper is to establish overview of utilisation of synchronous lifting in practice and the proposal for hydraulic system which provides synchronous lift of heavy load. According to type of operation it is possible to choose specific hydraulic kit. The main parameters are load capacity and lifting height.

Geo-statistics Modeling of Shallow Soil and Rock Stratum Layers based on Geotechnical Data Field using GIS Tool : A case study of Al Kharj Region - Saudi Arabia

During the last decade, the continued demand to build heavy buildings in Al Kharj city requires more attention by doing a geotechnical investigation in order to design an optimized foundations based on geo-database and mapping that have been indexed in neighboring buildings for future projects. However, to design the foundations of heavy buildings we need to explore the shallow soil and rock stratum layers using boreholes up to 20 meters in order to know the thickness of each layer and its geotechnical proprieties before designing any foundations type. For this reason, the owner of each building must be chosen an appropriate foundations according to the civil engineering specifications. According to the field investigation and the geotechnical data from the boreholes which were included in various corners of the site, we observe that there are a difference in the geotechnical proprieties from one borehole to another concerning the thickness of layer and also the mineralogical composition of these layers as well as its geotechnical characteristics, that why we intend to apply a new tool such as GIS application in order to predict the 3D distribution of the soil and rock stratum layers thickness based on the geo-statistics modeling implemented within the GIS software. As an important results involved within this paper, we note the randomly distribution of the soil and rock stratum layers thickness which have no conformity of geotechnical proprieties with the best choice of heavy buildings foundations which were adopted by the designer, however, it is necessary to look for a new methods allow to develop and support geotechnical investigations, including the indirect applied geophysics methods. In addition, referring to the randomly geotechnical proprieties distribution of the soil and rock stratum layers thickness, it is necessary to build a geo-database using GIS software taking into account many sources of geospatial data (Satellite images, GPS, field surveying, and so on...) which help public and private companies that are active in the construction field to help to take decision for better designing the heavy buildings foundations and to avoid many reasons of foundations failure after construction phases. Finally, we recommend to complete these findings involved in this paper by taking into account the groundwater phenomenon at shallow depth where the reinforcement foundations can be affected by salts or any other chemical elements associated with groundwater surface. As well as the need to be in the short term to review and develop the required geotechnical investigations which can be integrated with the spatial database in order to help to take better decisions when we design the heavy buildings foundations in Al Kharj city and where else in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Architectural Elements with Respect to the Energy Performance of Buildings

Buildings account for 40% of the primary energy use and 24%of the generation of green house gases worldwide. Therefore, a reduction of the specific energy demand of buildings and increased use of renewable energy are important measures of climate change mitigation. On the 18th of May 2010 a recast of the EPBD was approved which further clarifies the intention that buildings shall have a low energy demand. The recast of the EPBD specifies that by the end of 2020 all new buildings shall be “nearly zero-energy buildings”. A nearly zero-energy building is defined as a building with a very high energy performance and very simple shape. The current focusing on the energy efficiency of the building operation may lead to uniform cuboid architecture with heavy insulated building envelopes. The paper deals with the influence of energy concept on architectural elements (and their properties as shape, material, colour, texture etc.)

Potential of residential buildings as thermal energy storage in district heating systems – Results from a pilot test

Heat demand in a district heating system can have a significant variation within 1day, which produces problematic conditions for efficient heat generation. Short-term thermal energy storage can decrease this daily variation and make the conditions for generating heat more favorable. By periodically overheating and underheating buildings, causing small variations in indoor temperature, building thermal inertia can be utilized for thermal energy storage. This study presents the results from a pilot test where the potential to function as thermal energy storage was tested for five multifamily residential buildings in Gothenburg, Sweden. The signals from the outdoor temperature sensors were adjusted in different cycles during a total of 52weeks. The delivered heat and indoor temperature were measured during the test. The results indicate that heavy buildings, with a structural core of concrete, can tolerate relatively large variations in heat deliveries while still maintaining a good indoor climate. The study also demonstrated that a fixed time constant is not accurate enough to describe the variations in indoor temperature caused by the utilization of the buildings as short-term thermal energy storage. Degree hours is instead proposed as a simple yet adequate measurement for the thermal energy storage capacity in buildings. Storing 0.1kWh/m2floor area of heat will very rarely cause variations in indoor temperature larger than ±0.5°C in a heavy building.

An Empirical Study on Time Lag Phenomenon Regarding Summertime Indoor Thermal Environments in the Domestic Buildings of Different Construction Types in Hot-Humid Climate Zone

In the empirical case studies of the seven detached house buildings situated in Yilan, Taiwan in a hot and humid climate, this research conducted the actual measurements and analysis of the Summertime Indoor and Outdoor thermal environment parameters in order to accomplish the research of Time Lag Phenomenon of Summertime Indoor Temperature and Humidity in the Buildings of Light (Composite) Constructions and Heavy (Reinforced Concrete) Constructions. Firstly, it indicated that given the condition of doors and windows in closed positions, there would be Time Lag Phenomenon for both of the indoor Temperature and Humidity measurements in domestic buildings. The Temperature Time Lag for Heavy Construction Buildings had a duration of around three hours, almost as twice that of the figure for Light Construction Buildings. There was a significant correlation between Quantity of Interior Finishes and Humidity Time Lag inside domestic buildings, whereas the bigger the Quantity of Interior Finishes, the longer the Humidity Time Lag. Secondly, it also showed that given the condition of doors and windows in opened positions, there was almost zero Time Lag for both of the domestic indoor Temperature and Humidity measurements. Last but not least, generally speaking, the Ratio of Indoor/Outdoor Diurnal Temperature Range of Light Construction Buildings were higher than that of Heavy Construction Buildings. In particular, given the condition of doors and windows in opened positions with natural ventilation in summertime, it was slightly cooler inside the Light Construction Domestic Buildings than the Heavy Construction Domestic Buildings.

DOWNHOLE SEISMIC REFRACTION SURVEY OF WEATHERED LAYER CHARACTERISTICS IN ESCRAVOS, NIGERIA

The problem of datum correction in seismic surveys and the failures associated with civil engineering structures with specific reference to roads and bui ldings has been attributed to lack of understanding of the soil structure among others. This is why this surve y on downhole seismic refraction was conducted from nine borehole locations in Escravos, Nigeria to det ermine the weathered layer characteristics of the a rea. In carrying out this study, the McSeis 160MX instrument was employed in recording data obtained from a se t of hydrophones arranged in a definite manner in eac h of the boreholes. The data were analysed graphica lly by using the seismic refraction interpretation tech niques. Results of interpretation indicate that the velocity of the weathered layer ranged between 454 and 533 m sec -1 with an average value of 495 m sec -1 . The results also revealed that the depth of the weather ed layer ranged between 2.91 and 4.41 m with an average value of 3.68 m. Analysis of the results revealed t hat the depth and velocity of the weathered layer i ncreased downward towards the southern part of the study are a. This is an indication that the weathered layer s loped downward to the south. It is recommended that shots for seismic survey should be located at a depth of 4.41 m to eliminate the effects associated with the low velocity layer. It is also recommended that constru ction of heavy buildings and roads especially bridges should have their foundations laid to a depth of 4.41 m t o enable the infrastructure sit on the consolidated l ayer.

Femoral neuropathy caused by hyperlordotic positioning

To the Editor: The most common causes of iatrogenic femoral nerve injuries are operative abdominopelvic procedures [1]. However, the positioning of a patient can induce femoral neuropathy as well [2]. We report the case of a 32-year-old man (height 192 cm, weight 110 kg) who underwent general anesthesia for prolonged dental surgery. The operation was carried out in a supine position with the pelvis elevated above the head and feet (Supplementary Fig. 1). This position was requested by the surgeon to improve surgical exposure and his field of view. Total time of anesthesia was 5 h 15 min. After the operation the patient complained about weakness in the legs. Examination revealed grade 4/5 Medical Research Council (mrc) weakness in the hip flexors and grade 3/5 mrc weakness in the knee extensors with bilateral patellar areflexia. Sensation to touch over the anteromedial thighs was diminished. Needle electromyography showed reduced recruitment of motor unit potentials in both mm. rectus femoris. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study showed edema of both iliac muscles (Supplementary Fig. 2). At 3 months, follow-up examination showed left hip flexion 4/5 and left knee extension 4/5 mrc weakness. The femoral nerve descends through the psoas muscle and courses along the groove between the psoas and the iliac muscle. Because it leaves the pelvis under the inguinal ligament, hyperlordotic positioning and hyperextension of the thighs can lead to angulation and prolonged strain on the nerve. We assume that the degree of the angle between legs and upper body as well as the length of time of a hyperlordotic position increased the risk of affecting the femoral nerve. The heavy build of the patient probably added to this effect.

The importance of occupancy patterns on the analysis of heating energy relating to housing refurbishment

Attempts to reduce household energy consumption for space heating are showing little progress. This paper explores the role of thermal mass in refurbishing an existing dwelling to reduce heating energy consumption. The investigation is based on three refurbishment strategies to achieve light, medium and heavy weight building structures in conjunction with a highly insulated and airtight structure (compatible with Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5). This was based on a typical Irish dwelling originally constructed using concrete hollow block, although the results could be extrapolated for the UK, which has a similar climate. HTB2 (a dynamic thermal energy calculation engine) was used to carry out thermal modelling of the refurbishment strategies in conjunction with more than 40 occupancy patterns. For average occupancy, the thermal mass had little impact on energy use; however, light weight fabric was slightly more efficient for lower or intermittent occupancy. The energy penalty of reheating dwellings left unoccupied and unheated for a full day was equivalent to 1.2–2 days’ heating energy. Increasing thermal mass reduces the likelihood of major overheating but does not mitigate it entirely. The remaining overheating hours, however, could be sufficiently addressed by increasing the ventilation to 1.5 Air Changes per Hour during overheating hours.

Caves and other subsurface environments in the future exploration of Mars: the absence of natural background radiation as biology concern

The human deep space exploration focused on Mars, being the near eventual final destination. Mars surface habitation is considered a dangerous solution. Among others, radiation, micrometeorites and dust storms, are the major causes of risk for the human well-being during the mission. Caves on Mars can provide a natural shelter against these environmental hazards. Several practical applications address forward the use of caves as habitation opportunity. Within the caves, inflatable structures can be used, as opposed to the heavy structure surface buildings. For this reason, studies were taken to assess the possible areas for which caves could be used as human habitats as an alternative for an initial settlement of Mars. The results obtained not only suggest strong arguments for the use of caves, but also open questions for further quantification and understanding of current unknowns. In the present review, we focus on the hypothetical biological effects due to the cave shelter for natural background radiation that is of three orders of magnitude lower than Mars surface. Background radiation is the ubiquitous ionizing radiation that organisms experienced on the Earth, being present at the appearance of life on Earth. Nevertheless, both the effects of natural background radiation and its absence are not well known. We review the literature based on the effects of the absence of natural background to pursue a common scientific effort to gain scientific knowledge in this future deep space exploration scenario in a Sino-Italy cooperation, taking advantage of the JingPing cavern laboratory in the Sichuan region.

Three-dimensional aspects of cylinder drag reduction by suction and oscillatory blowing

An efficient and robust active flow control (AFC) system was applied to a nominally 2D circular cylinder, an archetype bluff-body configurations, with the purpose of drag reduction and wake stabilization. This is a fundamental cornerstone of a larger research program aimed at similar objectives but focusing on more realistic engineering applications such as heavy vehicles, rotorcraft fuselage and buildings subjected to cross-winds.The current study is focused on drag reduction by separation delay and manipulation of the natural vortex shedding regime, affected by the Suction and Oscillatory Blowing (SaOB) actuator, as part of the development of a new active flow control device for heavy vehicles aerodynamic drag reduction and fuel savings.The experiments were carried out in a low-speed, low-turbulence wind tunnel at cylinder diameter Reynolds numbers between 50,000 and 250,000, with smooth and rough surface conditions. With the rough surface, the Reynolds number became a weak parameter, between Re=100,000 and 200,000. Several key aspects of the AFC system operation and its interaction with the external-flow were tested: the number of actuators placed along the span of the model, which directly affect the energetic efficiency of the system and the influence of different actuation parameters such as the excitation magnitude, its frequency, suction distribution and phase relations between adjacent actuators. The measurements included steady and unsteady pressures on the model and in its wake. Optimal operational conditions were identified, leading to significant drag reduction (up to 60%), complete suppression of vortex shedding and increased overall system efficiency, by about 15%. The three-dimensional span-wise structure of the flow was examined and successfully utilized for enhanced energetic efficiency and significant drag reduction. The preferred wave-length was one to two cylinder diameters, in agreement with known low Reynolds number instabilities.

Declining rates of work‐related overexertion back injuries among union drywall installers in Washington State, 1989–2008: Improved work safety or shifting of care?

Construction workers are at high risk of work-related musculoskeletal back disorders, and research suggests medical care and costs associated with these conditions may be covered by sources other than workers' compensation (WC). Little is known about the back injury experience and care seeking behavior among drywall installers, a high-risk workgroup regularly exposed to repetitive activities, awkward postures, and handling heavy building materials. Among a cohort of 24,830 Washington State union carpenters (1989-2008), including 5,073 drywall installers, we identified WC claims, visits for health care covered through union-provided health insurance and time at risk. Rates of work-related overexertion back injuries (defined using WC claims data) and health care utilization for musculoskeletal back disorders covered by private health insurance were examined and contrasted over time and by worker characteristics, stratified by type of work (drywall installation, other carpentry). Drywall installers' work-related overexertion back injury rates exceeded those of other carpenters (adjusted IRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.48-1.78). For both carpentry groups, rates declined significantly over time. In contrast, rates of private healthcare utilization for musculoskeletal back disorders were similar for drywall installers compared to other carpenters; they increased over time (after the mid-1990s), with increasing years in the union, and with increasing numbers of work-related overexertion back injuries. Observed declines over time in the rate of work-related overexertion back injury, as based on WC claims data, is encouraging. However, results add to the growing literature suggesting care for work-related conditions may be being sought outside of the WC system.

Disaster, Memory and Culture: Distressing Attempts to Develop Disaster Culture in Turkey

It has been always a painful step to settle the disaster consciousness in general, and earthquake awareness in particular among the community in Turkey. Although the country had serious and disastrous seismic experiences in the far and near past, the expectations from the past lessons in terms of achieving the shift from fatalist to resilient society have always been very limited. One of the foremost reasons for the failure in disaster culture development among the community depends on the ill-structured political attempts. The Van Earthquake that hit the Eastern Turkey on the 23rd of October, 2011 resulted in considerable damages and human losses. Very recently, the Van city representative of the leading political party (the provincial president of the party, AKP) gave a present to the Prime Minister of Turkey during a meeting in Van city in 2012. That present was the picture of a little boy (13 years old), Yunus, who was killed in the last year’s earthquake of Van. The picture was very famous and fell into media during the earthquake time. Yunus, the poor boy, was in an internet-cafe which was located on the ground floor of an apartment building. The building suddenly collapsed when the seismic tremors hit the region, and Yunus could not escape like many others. When the Search and Rescue (SR) team found him under the ruins after many hours, he was still alive and carrying a dead body of an other disaster victim on his back whom probably he never met before. Many people in Turkey followed that dramatic scene and story on national media (TVs and newspapers). What also made that event famous was the prayings of poor Yunus to the SR team. He was pleading and saying that: “please save me quick, my father does not know that I was in the cafe, if he learns he will be angry with me!”. He was saved under the debris of heavy concrete building and sent to the hospital but unfortunately he died in the hospital due to heavy physical trauma. That picture which was given as a present to the Prime Minister was symbolizing the dramatic memories of the disaster, but more, the vulnerability of the physical and social structures of the country. However, the picture of Yunus was presented and introduced to the Prime Ministry and media as a tool which would have been believed to contribute for developing disaster culture among the community by the local politicians. This short paper criticizes the approach of political system and behavior of politicians to disaster phenomena in terms of insufficient shaping attempts of disaster culture. To develop a disaster culture needs a more holistic approach which includes community based learning and training activities, as well as public participation to disaster mitigation and risk reduction activities. However, politicians have not succeeded to implement risk reduction efforts which will strictly important to achieve shift from fatalist to resilient society.