Books/ Book Chapters by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
Chapter 21 in Sustainable Building Technologies, 2019
Chapter 4 in Exploring Natural Hazards: A Case Study Approach., Mar 20, 2018
In spite of man’s triumph in taming nature for its own survival and benefit, succumbing to the va... more In spite of man’s triumph in taming nature for its own survival and benefit, succumbing to the vagaries of nature has become a regular global concern. Out of the array of different catastrophes, earthquakes and cyclones together are responsible for overwhelming majority of the global damages caused by natural disasters in the last decade, leaving millions of people homeless. The loss of property and life are primarily due to failure of structures often experienced due to lack of implementation of a few guidelines, evolution of which are rooted in understanding the principles of mechanics which regulates the behaviour of structures under lateral dynamic loading imparted by earthquakes and cyclones.
In this context, the present book is an attempt to introduce guidelines for the types of building structures frequently observed and built in the Indian subcontinent as well as in other developing countries. The guidelines are meant for both architectural and structural features, and include constructional aspects as well. The book introduces these guidelines in such a manner that all aspects can be properly understood, related and implemented by the practicing engineers and architects. On the whole, the book may help develop awareness and sensitized technical manpower for combating the threat posed by natural disasters like earthquakes and cyclones.
Bamboo In Construction, Nov 14, 2005
Majority of the Indians live in houses vulnerable to natural calamities, needing frequent repair ... more Majority of the Indians live in houses vulnerable to natural calamities, needing frequent repair or reconstruction. Manufacture of huge quantity of conventional building materials, which are beyond their reach, is leading towards ecological disaster. Here comes the need for sustainable building materials. Use of bamboo so far has been more traditional than technical. It draws attention as a construction material because of its number of interesting strength properties, especially tensile strength. Bamboo also plays pivotal role in environmental security. This paper briefly reports technology innovations aimed at value-added applications of Specially Treated Bamboo in construction of building elements. Doors & windows, beams & columns with footings, wall panels, and, trusses with method of fixing roofing tiles have been developed with appropriate mechanical joints. Machines for bamboo splitting & strip sizing, and, special purpose tools, equipments & fixtures have also been developed for mass production. The present work paves way for further research for standardizing bamboo as an engineered material, and, study of behaviour of the proposed structural systems against wind gust and earthquake.
Journal Papers by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
Procedia Engineering, Elsevier, Feb 2018
The state of Assam in the Brahmaputra valley in northeast India is exposed to multiple hazards of... more The state of Assam in the Brahmaputra valley in northeast India is exposed to multiple hazards of seismicity, flooding and cyclone to a critical extent. The advanced construction technologies are yet to penetrate among the overwhelming population living below the poverty line. On the other hand the time-tested vernacular architecture or 'Assam-type' building is also unable to perform due to intensified calamities brought by climate change, fast depleting indigenous materials, change in user expectation and sporadic intervention of popular modern material and technology. This paper aims to systematically capture the hazard responses of vernacular architecture of Assam and upgrade the same with thoughtful introduction of amphibious foundation for modern but affordable bamboo-based hybrid construction. A schematic prototype house is proposed which can withstand the effect of multiple hazards of the area under study.
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Municipal Engineer, ICE, Apr 8, 2017
Many people in the Indian subcontinent can only afford non-engineered shelters. Unfortunately, su... more Many people in the Indian subcontinent can only afford non-engineered shelters. Unfortunately, such buildings are easy victims of earthquakes and they need to be assessed and graded to see how susceptible they are to damage during the frequent, moderate tremors of the region. The large number of these buildings warrants a wide screening programme but a dearth of technical personnel requires a simple methodology that can be carried out by non-technical people. This paper discusses the strategies for evolving a rapid visual screening procedure for non-engineered and semi-engineered buildings as a means of seismic vulnerability assessment. It is based on damage surveys of three moderate earthquakes and from shake-table experiments. The proposed methodology can be applied to traditional and semi-engineered buildings using a number of visually identifiable parameters.
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, ASCE, Sep 2015
Depleting timber resources has generated interest in bamboo, a traditional sustainable building m... more Depleting timber resources has generated interest in bamboo, a traditional sustainable building material of the tropics. However, dearth of strength data has been a major hindrance in its engineered application. The present paper reports experimentally verified compressive and cleavage strengths of an Indian bamboo species that is considered suitable for structural applications. The investigated compressive strength is well comparable with that of equivalent timber. The paper reports lesser strength of split bamboo specimens than round ones, which contradicts the provisions of some codes. The paper also observes that compressive strength of bamboo generally increases along its culm length, gradually from bottom to top. The paper further identifies a factor, which when multiplied by the density of a given specimen, yields corresponding permissible compressive strength. Low values of coefficients of variation and skewness of the experimental data indicate its reliability. This paper may be considered as a step towards engineered application of bamboo.
Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Elsevier, Aug 2015
On 18 September 2011, all the Indian states and countries surrounding Sikkim witnessed a devastat... more On 18 September 2011, all the Indian states and countries surrounding Sikkim witnessed a devastating moderate earthquake of magnitude 6.9 (Mw). Originating in Sikkim–Nepal border with an intensity of VI+ in MSK scale, this earthquake caused collapse of both unreinforced masonry buildings, heritage structures and framed structures followed by landslides and mud slides at various places of Sikkim. Significant damages have been observed in relatively new framed structures mainly in Government buildings, thick masonry structures, while, the older wooden frame (ekra) non-engineered structures performed well during the earthquake. Further, it is noteworthy that government buildings suffered more than private ones and damages were observed more in newer framed structures than older ones. Analysis of the damages identify lateral spreading of slope, pounding of buildings, out-of-plane rotation, generation of structural cracks, plastic hinge formation at column capitals and damage of infill wall material as predominant damage features. A few remedial measures are also attempted to be mentioned with future need of research and application. It has been felt to create awareness regarding these issues and is the need of the hour.
Natural Hazards Review, ASCE, Nov 2013
Frequently occurring moderate earthquakes in the Indian subcontinent have extensive impact on the... more Frequently occurring moderate earthquakes in the Indian subcontinent have extensive impact on the nonengineered shelters of the local people inhabiting them because these shelters generally consist of unreinforced masonry walls. Through a reconnaissance-based damage survey of two such earthquakes in the Eastern Himalayas and that of another in the plains, the present paper identifies the absence of proper connections at masonry junctions as the principal cause of damage. To augment junction strength subjected to reversible lateral loading, the survey proposes reinforcing with L-shaped steel dowels or encasing with polypropylene bands, which incurs a minimal cost increase. The results from shaking table tests show that such measures may lead to a quantifiable increase in the lateral strength of the junctions, which helps in evolving empirical design guidelines at the artisanal level.
Natural Hazards Review, ASCE, May 2012
Coastal areas of the Indian subcontinent are familiar with aftermaths of severe tropical cyclones... more Coastal areas of the Indian subcontinent are familiar with aftermaths of severe tropical cyclones. Nonengineered structures of the common people are major casualties of these natural disasters. The present paper documents features of damages due to the 2007 Cyclone Sidr, the strongest cyclone in the Bay of Bengal portion of the Indian Ocean in the new millennium. A critical analysis of the documented damages is followed by suggestions regarding the adoption of relevant remedial measures during future constructions in the coastal regions compatible with the socioeconomic situation. In the absence of any rapid visual screening (RVS) procedure for cyclones, the paper further discusses strategies for evolving RVS procedures for cyclone-affected nonengineered structures as part of a quick and easy vulnerability assessment. The application of the proposed RVS methodology, consisting of 11 visually identifiable parameters and basic scores for eight different types of nonengineered or semiengineered buildings, is cross-checked for two cases whose RVS scores strongly match those of the proposal.
Majority of the people living in third world countries cannot afford a healthy, safe and long las... more Majority of the people living in third world countries cannot afford a healthy, safe and long lasting shelter because those built with conventional engineering materials are beyond their reach. They are forced to opt for traditional indigenous structures out of which masonry work is one of the oldest and popularmost. These structures are generally designed considering the vertical load acting on them in the form of dead and live loads, but the effect of lateral thrusts that is produced during earthquakes are normally ignored. In this context, the present paper attempts to develop simple and workable expressions and/or numerical estimation of various design parameters like strength, stiffness and energy dissipation capacity of masonry wall through experimental verification to aid the seismic design methodology for these structures. Experimental results have been collected from well accepted literatures as well as those generated through shake table tests by the authors on unreinforced masonry elements. The predictions proposed in the present study for different design parameters like strength and stiffness may generally be helpful for preliminary design of such structures subjected to seismic loading except for concrete blocks subjected to point lateral load at its top. The paper also provides a comparative picture regarding hysteretic energy dissipation capacity of unreinforced masonry elements with respect to conventional structural elements made of steel and reinforced concrete which will be helpful for performance based seismic design of the same. Such an effort may be helpful for Indian subcontinent and many other countries where large number of one or two storey masonry structures are available because of socio-economic context, even in the zones of high seismic threat.
A tropical cyclone of velocity more than the Basic Wind Speed recommended by the Indian Wind Code... more A tropical cyclone of velocity more than the Basic Wind Speed recommended by the Indian Wind Code, slammed the Bangladesh coast around 100km east of the Sagar Islands, India in the evening of 15th November 2007, affecting the lives of millions of people. The vulnerability of the Ganges Delta to large storm surges, due to its minimal topography was demonstrated after the passage of the Cyclone Sidr. Such devastations give one a rare scope to study their impact, especially on the non-engineered building elements, which constitute shelter for major segment of the population. This paper reports some of the major and prominent findings of two reconnaissance based vulnerability and damage surveys undertaken at the Sagar Islands, India and the Khulna and Barisal Divisions of Bangladesh.
Human use of bamboo is as old as human civilization. Extensive use of bamboo has been the traditi... more Human use of bamboo is as old as human civilization. Extensive use of bamboo has been the traditions of many societies, especially of the tropical people of Latin America and Southeast Asia including India. It is observed that in regions where bamboo is domestic, its integration in culture is reflected in architecture as well. But the idioms of expression of bamboo as an architectural element are varied. In India, the use of bamboo as an architectural material was most extensively observed in the folk architecture of Bengal, which cutting across religions, was subsequently adapted to brick and stone. It is observed that bamboo buildings, when properly constructed, become inherently resistant to the lateral shock waves of the earthquake forces. The philosophy of earthquake architecture is not to erect earthquake-proof buildings, but to design earthquake-resistant ones. The lightness of buildings built with bamboo, its capacity of yielding more damping effect and plastic deformation over conventional materials due to fibrous morphology, and, its tubular cross-section makes it a natural choice as an earthquake-resistant building material. Bamboo is currently in the process of being rediscovered in India, as an alternative to rapidly depleting wood resources. The influence of bamboo on the architecture of the tropical people throughout continents, and its potential of earthquake resistance makes it a socially acceptable and technically relevant building material.
The West Bengal Government has envisaged the Kolkata Urban Service for the Poor (KUSP) programme ... more The West Bengal Government has envisaged the Kolkata Urban Service for the Poor (KUSP) programme to overcome the dearth of technical expertise and financial support at the municipal level, so that they can properly perform their constitutional responsibility of preparation and implementation of Draft Development Plans (DDPs). This paper shares the experience of preparation of the Improvement Plan for the Primary Education sector as a part of the preparation of the entire DDP for the Bally Municipality, West Bengal. The Plan has been formulated to address the objectives of upgrading the state of physical infrastructure in Municipal Free Primary schools, implementing measures for reduction of dropouts, enhancing quality of education with respect to student performance and teaching standard, accomplishing higher enrolment in Sarva Sikisha Kendra (SSK) and similar centres, increasing the coverage of children from marginalised communities and generating community awareness about non-formal and adult education. Twelve project proposals have been identified and prioritized for implementation through peoples’ participation.
Field experiments have been undertaken for almost last ten years at the Building Centre of FOSET ... more Field experiments have been undertaken for almost last ten years at the Building Centre of FOSET at Birati, West Bengal, to develop appropriate technology for bamboo architecture for the economically weaker section of the society. Flood and storm resistant buildings are at perennial necessity in the tropical Ganga-Brahmaputra deltaic region. The present paper reports development of first such two-storied trial unit made of chemically treated bamboo. The excess expenditure for chemical treatment is compensated by generating more floor space in a two-tier building instead of constructing a traditional single-storied one. Improvement of existing jigs, equipments and other fixtures and, upgradation of preservative chemical treatment were identified as two major technical issues for further development. Assembly out of prefabricated building elements have been tried out for fast and quality work at distant site in future. Recommendations of INBAR are incorporated for better preservative treatment of bamboo, increasing its life expectancy to at least 30 years. The trial unit is raised on stilts to allow for passage of flood water. Codal provisions recommended by BIS regarding basic wind speed at the eastern coasts of India and those for LIG housing are considered while designing.
Acceleration of the horizontal component of seismic waves, in the form of lateral thrusts, is pri... more Acceleration of the horizontal component of seismic waves, in the form of lateral thrusts, is primarily responsible for earthquake related damages of buildings. The philosophy of earthquake architecture is not to erect earthquake-proof buildings, but to design earthquake-resistant ones. While mentioning the general principles, this paper discusses the various configurational aspects that are to be followed in the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings. Decisions made at the planning stage on building configuration are known to have made greater difference, than accurate determination of code specified design forces. None of the three dimensions of a building should be too long or too short compared to the other two. Buildings with simple symmetrical geometry in plan experience a fairly uniform distribution of forces when shaken by earthquakes compared to one with asymmetrical irregularity. Sudden deviations or discontinuity in load transfer path of earthquake forces along the elevation lead to poor performance of the building. Since in reality, buildings are not symmetrical in the truest sense of the word, the Indian Standards accommodate such deviations to an allowable extent without necessitating crumple sections.
Patent by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
Conference Presentations by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
International Conference on Rethinking Built Environment -InCorBE, (March24), 2024
Coastal regions are highly vulnerable to a range of disasters, such as hurricanes, storm surges, ... more Coastal regions are highly vulnerable to a range of disasters, such as hurricanes, storm surges, and tsunamis. Unfortunately, the increasing sea levels caused by climate change only serve to worsen these risks, resulting in more frequent flooding and erosion. These disasters not only pose a significant threat to human settlements, ecosystems, and infrastructure along the coastlines, but also highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure resilience and adaptation. One approach that has shown promise in creating a climate-resilient built environment is vernacular architecture, which is the practice of local communities using locally sourced materials. Through years of experience and attempts to mitigate against disasters, vernacular architecture has evolved to incorporate specific construction techniques and architectural features that are better equipped to withstand such events. In this article, we explored how disasters have influenced the development of vernacular architecture in coastal settlements, focusing on three case studies from countries surrounding the western ring of the Bay of Bengal like Sinhalese jungle huts in Northern Sri Lanka, Odisha in India, and Bangladesh.
To understand the impact of disasters on building design, we have selected five key features for investigation such as building form and shape, angle of the roof, roof materials, overhang length, and wall protection techniques. Through our research, we have observed that certain design elements are directly related to the intensity of disasters. For example, regions with lower rainfall, such as Odisha, exhibit shorter overhang lengths (0.35-0.4 meters) compared to areas like Sinhalese and coastal Bangladesh, where overhang lengths range from 0.45-0.6 meters [3–6]. Additionally, the choice of materials is influenced by both local availability and the impact of disasters. Thatch and bamboo, for instance, are commonly used as roofing materials in coastal areas of Bangladesh, while Sinhalese utilizes coconut thatch, dried coconut leaves, bamboo, or mud bindings. These interrelationships between design features and disasters in vernacular architecture have led us to examine the guidelines provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Remarkably, Odisha has fully embraced these guidelines, resulting in a significant reduction in cyclone-related damages over the years. By conducting a comparative assessment of disaster intensity, design features and techniques, and the UNDP guidelines, our study provides valuable insights for future architects and policymakers working on built-environment projects in coastal areas.
In conclusion, the vulnerability of coastal areas to disasters necessitates the adoption of proactive measures for resilience and adaptation. Vernacular architecture, with its focus on locally sourced materials and evolved construction techniques, has proven to be an effective approach. By understanding the interplay between design features, disasters, and international guidelines, architects and policymakers can create more resilient built environments in coastal regions.
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Books/ Book Chapters by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
In this context, the present book is an attempt to introduce guidelines for the types of building structures frequently observed and built in the Indian subcontinent as well as in other developing countries. The guidelines are meant for both architectural and structural features, and include constructional aspects as well. The book introduces these guidelines in such a manner that all aspects can be properly understood, related and implemented by the practicing engineers and architects. On the whole, the book may help develop awareness and sensitized technical manpower for combating the threat posed by natural disasters like earthquakes and cyclones.
Journal Papers by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
Patent by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
Conference Presentations by Parthasarathi Mukhopadhyay
To understand the impact of disasters on building design, we have selected five key features for investigation such as building form and shape, angle of the roof, roof materials, overhang length, and wall protection techniques. Through our research, we have observed that certain design elements are directly related to the intensity of disasters. For example, regions with lower rainfall, such as Odisha, exhibit shorter overhang lengths (0.35-0.4 meters) compared to areas like Sinhalese and coastal Bangladesh, where overhang lengths range from 0.45-0.6 meters [3–6]. Additionally, the choice of materials is influenced by both local availability and the impact of disasters. Thatch and bamboo, for instance, are commonly used as roofing materials in coastal areas of Bangladesh, while Sinhalese utilizes coconut thatch, dried coconut leaves, bamboo, or mud bindings. These interrelationships between design features and disasters in vernacular architecture have led us to examine the guidelines provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Remarkably, Odisha has fully embraced these guidelines, resulting in a significant reduction in cyclone-related damages over the years. By conducting a comparative assessment of disaster intensity, design features and techniques, and the UNDP guidelines, our study provides valuable insights for future architects and policymakers working on built-environment projects in coastal areas.
In conclusion, the vulnerability of coastal areas to disasters necessitates the adoption of proactive measures for resilience and adaptation. Vernacular architecture, with its focus on locally sourced materials and evolved construction techniques, has proven to be an effective approach. By understanding the interplay between design features, disasters, and international guidelines, architects and policymakers can create more resilient built environments in coastal regions.
In this context, the present book is an attempt to introduce guidelines for the types of building structures frequently observed and built in the Indian subcontinent as well as in other developing countries. The guidelines are meant for both architectural and structural features, and include constructional aspects as well. The book introduces these guidelines in such a manner that all aspects can be properly understood, related and implemented by the practicing engineers and architects. On the whole, the book may help develop awareness and sensitized technical manpower for combating the threat posed by natural disasters like earthquakes and cyclones.
To understand the impact of disasters on building design, we have selected five key features for investigation such as building form and shape, angle of the roof, roof materials, overhang length, and wall protection techniques. Through our research, we have observed that certain design elements are directly related to the intensity of disasters. For example, regions with lower rainfall, such as Odisha, exhibit shorter overhang lengths (0.35-0.4 meters) compared to areas like Sinhalese and coastal Bangladesh, where overhang lengths range from 0.45-0.6 meters [3–6]. Additionally, the choice of materials is influenced by both local availability and the impact of disasters. Thatch and bamboo, for instance, are commonly used as roofing materials in coastal areas of Bangladesh, while Sinhalese utilizes coconut thatch, dried coconut leaves, bamboo, or mud bindings. These interrelationships between design features and disasters in vernacular architecture have led us to examine the guidelines provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Remarkably, Odisha has fully embraced these guidelines, resulting in a significant reduction in cyclone-related damages over the years. By conducting a comparative assessment of disaster intensity, design features and techniques, and the UNDP guidelines, our study provides valuable insights for future architects and policymakers working on built-environment projects in coastal areas.
In conclusion, the vulnerability of coastal areas to disasters necessitates the adoption of proactive measures for resilience and adaptation. Vernacular architecture, with its focus on locally sourced materials and evolved construction techniques, has proven to be an effective approach. By understanding the interplay between design features, disasters, and international guidelines, architects and policymakers can create more resilient built environments in coastal regions.
The Technical Education Policy cannot be something detached from the country’s General Education Policy. But there are some basic differences between the purposes of the two, which give scope for discussion of the former separately. A brief account of the endeavours of independent India in this field is mentioned. Formations of the ALL INDIA COUNCIL OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION in 1945, the SCIENTIFIC MANPOWER COMMITTEE in 1947, the ENGINEERING PERSONNEL COMMITTEE in 1956 and the COMMITTEE FOR POST-GRADUATE ENGINEERING EDUCATION in 1961, etc. all have played important role in the development and expansion of technical education in our nation. Enactment of the APPRENTICESHIP ACT, 1961 was an attempt to directly connect technical education with industry; but this was an act in almost isolation. Democratic movement of the nation forced the Government of India to constitute the KOTHARI COMMISSION in 1964 to formulate a National Education Policy (inclusive of Technical Education); but the recommendations of the Commission are left in utter negligence since its presentation in 1966. Though the weaknesses of technical education were again identified in the NEW TECHNOLOGY POLICY STATEMENT of the Government of India in 1983, yet it heralded no change in the fundamental approach. Rather since 1991, the changed international scenario led to opening up of the entire economy to foreign capital in the form of signing the GATT in 1994 thereby ultimately accepting the WTO regime. The situation has further worsened with the declaration of EDUCATION AS A SERVICE and bringing it under the purview of the GATS during the KANKUN DISCUSSIONS in 2003. In this backdrop and in the absence of a Technical Education Policy Statement at the national level, the formulation of the same at the state level is essential, as this may show an ALTERNATE PATH to the rest of India against the present apparent legitimacy of the TINA mode.
Reconnaissance based damage surveys were undertaken to identify the impact of cyclones and moderate earthquakes on non- and semi- engineered buildings. The studied cyclone is ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Sidr’ of 2007, which is the strongest cyclone of the first decade of the new millennium in the Bay of Bengal portion of the Indian Ocean basin, having a peak speed greater than the maximum basic wind speed considered by the Indian wind Code. Two of the three moderate earthquakes studied were from hills (2006 and 2011 Sikkim earthquakes) and the other was from plains (2008 Durgapur Earthquake). The damage surveys lead to the general conclusion that junctions of building elements of non-engineered structures are prone to failure during both severe cyclones and moderate earthquakes. However, whereas the light structures made of wood/ bamboo fail under cyclones due to upward suction, the comparatively heavy URM structures of the same geographic region performs poorly under lateral seismic loading. Failure of roof structures, hinge formation at junctions between beams and columns, and inappropriate foundations are identified as major damage features for cyclone-affected non-engineered shelters. The damages of the URM structures characterise two major features for both hills and plains, namely, separation of wall junctions at corners due to out-of-plane rotation, and generation of shear and flexural cracks due to limited tensile and shear strength. Additional damage features, typical of hilly areas, include among others, vulnerable backside frames of buildings built on hill slopes and exposed foundation without gripping.
The necessity of assessing and grading the damageability of the non-engineered structures in the event of future cyclones and earthquakes was felt while undertaking the damage surveys. This would help to prioritize the buildings that need focussed attention. Subsequently, rapid visual screening (RVS) procedures for both cyclone- and earthquake-affected non- and semi-engineered structures were evolved. The proposed strategy for cyclone-affected buildings included eight building types and 11 score-modifying parameters, and that for the earthquake-affected structures consisted of nine building types and 19 score-modifying parameters. All of these parameters, some quantitative and some qualitative in nature, were visually identifiable. Both the RVS schemes were cross-verified by applying them on a number of surveyed buildings, and their RVS scores strongly matched with the proposal, supporting their applicability. Here it may be mentioned that the scheme for non-engineered buildings is not included in RVS scheme prepared by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USA, the organisation credited for pioneering the concept of RVS for earthquake-affected engineered structures. Further, RVS for non-engineered structures to be affected by cyclones was proposed after getting hardly any literature on same. This proposition has been also published in a well accepted literature.
The reconnaissance based damage surveys observed that people belonging to very low economic brackets use bamboo made structural framing for their non-engineered dwellings; and people, with little more affordability, use URM structures for their shelters. In fact, the Census of India identifies bamboo and unburnt brick as two widely used non-engineered building materials, the first used especially for roofing purpose and the second especially for walling. The two major hindrances in engineered application of bamboo is dearth of its strength data and low durability. Separation of wall junctions has already been mentioned as the principal damage feature suffered by URM buildings due to moderate earthquakes. It was thought prudent to add value to these two non-engineered building materials in order to make them suitable for engineered application.
The thesis reports working strength in compression and bending, ultimate tensile and cleavage strengths, and moduli of elasticity in both bending and tension of dry split specimens of Bambusa balcooa, a species identified suitable for structural applications by the National Building Code of India. The reported strength values were found statistically reliable and well comparable with that of equivalent timber species. This study may be considered as a step towards standardization of data for engineered application of bamboo. Further, the thesis suggests methodologies for improving durability of bamboo by upgrading existing preservation processes. The upgraded processes have been already applied for an Indian Patent.
Different earthquake codes have recommended formation of proper connections at junctions of load-bearing URM walls. However, quantitative guidelines are not available as such. Further, studies show that the strengthening materials used by different researchers like fibre reinforced polymer etc. are beyond the economic reach of the common people of the developing economies. The thesis, in its limited scope, has tried to improve the performance of brick masonry junctions subjected to reversible lateral loading through inclusion of two cost-effective strengthening measures, namely, reinforcing with L-shaped steel bars and encasing with polypropylene bands. The performances of identically dimensioned L-shaped brick junctions, reinforced with these two materials, were compared with similar unreinforced ones, on shaking tables. Results show that such measures lead to quantifiable increase in lateral strength of junctions, which helped in evolving empirical design guidelines at artisanal level.
The thesis concludes with the identification of future scope of work which includes among others carrying out well planned region specific research and development activities for non-engineered structures. It proposes preparing cyclone- and earthquake-resistant model housing units for people below the poverty line constructed with bamboo and URM respectively as predominant housing materials. The thesis further identifies refining and enriching the proposed RVS procedures for cyclone- and earthquake-affected non-engineered structures, as another future scope of work, by extending the study base of the building types.
Overall, the thesis is an effort to suggest the possibilities of improvement of cyclone and earthquake resistance of non-engineered structures in its limited form.