|
Builder advises on reinforcement to reduce earthquake damage
Buildings employing post-tensioning systems can minimise the impact of an earthquake, according to a Thai expert this week.
Post-tensioning is a method of reinforcing concrete or other materials with high-strength steel strands typically referred to as tendons.
Managing Director of the Lao company Lane Xang Civil Engineer Supply and Service Co. Ltd., Mr Thanpol E. Winslow, said that if a building is structurally well designed using the system, the damage caused by an earthquake of high magnitude is reduced.
He spoke to Vientiane Times during a workshop on post-tensioning systems for buildings and bridges held in Vientiane this week, organised by the company in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Workshop participants included Lao engineers, architects and officials wanting to learn more about the systems and why they are important for a country like Laos.
Mr Thanpol explained that post-tensioning systems help reduce construction costs and enhance the quality of concrete work.
“I think these systems are suitable for Vientiane at the present time,” he said, adding that a building that has a post-tensioning system can last for a long time and costs less to build.
“If we build using the right technology, we can save money and have quality buildings that last a long time.”
He gave the example of an eight-storey building. “If we use normal methods of construction we may spend about US$2 million, but if we use the post-tensioning system, we may spend only US$1.5 million. This means the cost of construction is reduced by 25 percent,” he said.
“It is not only about reducing the cost of construction but about the longer use of buildings. Buildings using post-tensioning systems can last for at least 50 years.”
Buildings ranging from two floors to 80 floors can employ post-tensioning systems.
Post-tensioning applica-tions include office and apartment buildings, parking structures, slabs-on-ground, bridges, sports stadiums, rock and soil anchors, and water-tanks. In many cases, post-tensioning allows for construction that would otherwise be impossible due to either site constraints or architectural requirements.
Vice President of the Council of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Dr Somphone Dethoudom, said a post-tensioning system can reduce the impacts of earthquakes and strong winds, which is why these systems are commonly used for tall buildings in other countries.
“This technology can help save time and money in construction,” he said, adding that local engineers need to understand the systems so they are widely adopted in Laos.
Such systems are rare in Laos, but many countries, including Cambodia, make use of this technology.
The Lao Plaza Hotel was the first building in Laos to incorporate a post-tensioning system.
vientiane times
|
