Quick Reference Guide on

EARTHQUAKE

Active Fault Likely to be source of an earthquake

Epicenter Point on the earth's surface vertically above the hypocenter (or focus)
Fault A fracture in rock resulting in significant displacement
Fault Plane The planar (flat) surface along which there is slip during an earthquake
Fault Trace Intersection of fault plane with ground surface
Focal Depth Depth of an earthquake
Focus/ Also known as seismic source; point within the earth where an earthquake rupture
Hypocenter starts
Intensity Description of severity of an earthquake; Multiple values for a single earthquake
Magnitude Amount of energy released during an earthquake; one value per earthquake

Fault Trace Epicenter

Focal Depth
Fault Plane
Focus/Hypocenter
/Seismic Source

• Single value per earthquake • Multiple values per earthquake

• Depends on: • Depends on: • Location:
• Amount of energy released • Magnitude Angat, Bulacan to Canlubang, Laguna
• Decimal numbers • Distance to epicenter ~95-km long
• Logarithmic scale • Depth of focus • Estimated maximum magnitude:
• 1 point increase means energy • Soil conditions 6.5 to 7.2
increases by a factor of 31.6x • Roman numerals • Historical movement:
• M=7 is 31.6x stronger than M=6 4 times in past 1500 years
• M=8 is 1000x stronger than M=6 Most recent movement: 1638
• Recurrence interval:
400 to 600 years
(recent Phivolcs statement)
MYTH #1 MYTH #2
Buildings in the Philippines are not designed to Buildings that do not have base-isolators,
resist earthquakes rollers, or dampers are not designed to resist
Fact: earthquakes
 The NSCP requires structures to consider Fact:
earthquake loads.  The building is considered safe from
 The NSCP is based on the same international earthquakes as long as it was designed and
codes used in the US. constructed in compliance to existing
 Plans & structural computations are submitted building codes.
to the building official for approval prior to The above-mentioned items can help in
construction in order to ensure compliance. earthquake resistance but are not necessary.

MYTH #3 MYTH #4
The WVF can generate a magnitude 9
West Valley Fault (WVF) epicenter is always
earthquake
very close to the fault line (surface rupture)
Fact: Fact:
 Magnitude 9 earthquakes are generated in
 Experts say that the WVF is not vertical and it really long faults.
dips at an angle. Further studies say that the  The WVF is relatively short and is estimated
possible location where earthquakes are to generate a maximum of 7.2 magnitude
generated is approximately 10 to 50km deeper earthquake.
under ground (see illustration).
MYTH #5
It is safer to live in a one- or two-storey
house than to live in a high-rise building
Fact:
 Not necessarily. Engineered/well-designed
buildings undergo various studies and
stringent permit applications to ensure
compliance to the National Building Code.
 The energy waves generated close to the
fault are high frequency. Tall buildings
respond well to high frequency waves.

1. Soil Investigation 2. Distance to the West Valley Fault

• 12 boreholes were drilled within Nestle Property to • The property is very safe from ground
determine soil type and structural design rupture hazard as it is approximately 25
considerations for the project. meters east and approximately 69 meters
• Ground is underlain by the Guadalupe Tuff Formation west of the West Valley Fault as
(Adobe) compared to the 5-meter buffer zone on
• Similar to BGC, Ortigas Center, Makati both sides of the trace required by
Characteristics of Adobe: Phivolcs.
 Classifies as rock
Reference: Phivolcs Map and Certification
 Not liquefiable
 Very low compressibility
 Advantage as a foundation material
• No need for special foundation systems
(piles, jet-grouting, ground improvement)
• Does not amplify earthquake motions
 3. Structural Design Considerations
• AT Altura building design follows the
1. Technical Due Diligence Studies particularly
latest edition of National Structural
Geotechnical Investigation and Geohazard
Code of the Philippines (NSCP).
Investigation are conducted during acquisition stage.
• Base Shear is the estimate of the
maximum expected lateral force that a. Geotechnical Investigation
will occur due to seismic ground motion
• Includes sub-surface exploration of a site,
at the base of the structure.
which involves soil sampling and laboratory
• The NSCP provides for different tests to determine the soil type for
considerations in the base shear determining structural design criteria of the
computation depending on the distance project
of the property to the known seismic
source. The Code provides for different b. Geohazard Investigation
considerations for properties within
5kms, 10kms, and more than 15kms • Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard
from the known seismic source. Assessment Report (EGGAR) focuses on
potential geologic hazards that may have
• AT Altura being within 5kms, has 32% direct or indirect impact to the project, and
higher base shear, versus a similar
their appropriate mitigating meatures.
structure that is located more than
15kms from the known seismic source. • Fault related/Seismic hazards

2. Structural design based on the structural code • Mass Movement

and structural peer review are done during • Volcanic Hazards
planning stage. Structural peer review is
4. Implementation is done by MDC with three 2014 ISO
conducted by a third party to validate that the
certifications.
structural design is compliant to the structural
code.
3. Building Information Modelling is conducted to
check the building design, to resolve for
potential clashes within and across mechanical,
electrical, plumbing and sanitary . It models how
project will be constructed on-site to avoid
possible conflicts.

Building Information Model

• Prior to implementation, the detailed methodology
and execution plan is determined . Regular training
and orientation on quality are also being conducted.
• During implementation, inspection and testing are
conducted by MDC.
• Upon completion, testing and validation are done by
APMC and Avida, before turnover to unit owners.
 S AFEGUARDS S TANDARDS
Safeguards have been put in place to mitigate Avida developments are up to standards to
potential damages of earthquakes on properties. withstand earthquakes.

 Technical due diligence studies are conducted  We comply with the National Building Code and
during acquisition stage: the National Structural Code which take
i. Geotechnical assessment or soil study earthquake loads into consideration
ii. Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard
 All projects begin after securing all clearances from
Assessments Report (EGGAR), which is
applicable government agencies:
a requirement by DENR for the ECC
o Department of Environment and Natural
 Quality assurance measures are implemented Resources (DENR) – Requires EGGAR for
during design and construction stages: ECC application
i. Structural peer review o Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
ii. Building information modelling Seismology (Phivolcs) – Certifies that
property is not within the 5m no-build
 Throughout all stages of project development,
buffer zone
professional services of reputable consultants are
o Building Official – Certifies compliance to
engaged.
the Building Code through the Building

S AFETY PROGRAMS
Safety programs are implemented by APMC in all
Permit
o Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
developments through its health, safety and security (HLURB)– Requires above-mentioned
teams. permits to ensure compliance to existing
laws and ordinances
 Each development has an emergency brigade team
(EBT) which conducts weekly timed drills under Before we start selling and construction, we go
different emergency scenarios. through numerous checkpoints to ensure safety and
soundness of the building.
 Each year, a fire and earthquake drill is conducted
with all stakeholders (including unit owners and
residents) usually facilitated by Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP).
In summary:
To ensure safety, ALI has put in place safeguards to mitigate potential damages of earthquakes in all stages of the
project development process.

-Technical due diligence studies prior to acquisition

-Planning and Design in accordance with the building code
-Quality assurance during the design and construction
-Safety programs implemented in all developments during operations

Throughout all stages of project development, professional services of reputable consultants are engaged.

We also secure all the clearances and permits from the different agencies such as DENR, PHIVOLCS, City Planning
Office, Office of the Building Official and HLURB prior to development.

In ALI, customer safety is a priority.

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
a. Is your building earthquake proof?
Our buildings are designed to resist earthquake. There are no earthquake proof buildings; what we
have are earthquake resistant buildings.

b. Can your project withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake? What magnitude is your building designed for?
Yes. Avida Towers Altura conforms to the National Structural Code of the Philippines which is
designed to resist major earthquakes that we have experienced in the past.

c. What is the difference between magnitude and intensity?

Magnitude is the amount of energy released during an earthquake while intensity describes the
degree of shaking at a particular location. There is only one value for magnitude. Intensity has
multiple values in a single earthquake.

d. What is the estimated magnitude that WVF can generate?

6.5-7.2 Magnitude

e. Are base isolators, rollers and dampers necessary for buildings to resist earthquakes?
These are just options to help resist earthquakes but are not necessary.

f. Can WVF generate a magnitude 9 earthquake?

No. Magnitude 9 earthquakes are generated in really long faults. The WFV is relatively short and
therefore cannot generate a magnitude 9 earthquake. In the 2011 Japan earthquake which
generated a magnitude 9 earthquake, the fault that ruptured was 1,000km long. The WFV is only
approximately 100km long.

g. What is the soil type in Altura?

Adobe (Guadalupe Tuff Formation), similar to BGC, Ortigas Center, and Makati.
Adobe is not liquefiable and has very low compressibility. An advantage of Adobe as a foundation
material is it does not amplify earthquake motions.

h. How far is the fault line from the property?

The distance of the project is approximately 25m east and approximately 69m west of the West
Valley Fault. The project is not within the buffer zone against ground rupture hazard, which is 5m
from both sides of the mapped fault trace.

i. Is it safe to buy in Altura?

Yes! We designed it against any earthquake force we believe it will be subjected to.

j. Where does your company base the design of the projects from?
We engage reputable Structural Designers to design our building in accordance with the latest
National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP), which takes earthquake loads into consideration.

k. How does your company ensure that the designs of projects are at par with standards?
We engage third-party consultants to perform peer review on Structural Design for validation.
We ensure that our construction partners implement the project in accordance with the structural
plans and specifications following strict quality control process.
Before we begin any project, we ensure that we have acquired all necessary permits and clearances
from the relevant government agencies.
 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
l. Should the towers be damaged during an earthquake, who is liable for repairs and restoration?

The owner of the building will be responsible for repairs and restoration in case of damages due to
earthquakes.

During construction stage, the Developer secures a Contractors All Risks Insurance (CARI), which
provides coverage over the insured properties against loss or damage, the proximate cause arising
from fortuitous events including earthquakes.

After construction and before turnover of the Common Areas to the Condominium Corporation, the
Developer secures Commercial/Property All Risks Insurance, which protects against loss or damage
caused by fire, lightning, earthquakes, etc.

After turnover of the Common Areas, the Condominium Corporation, as owner of the Common
Areas, becomes responsible for securing property insurance to protect properties against loss or
damage arising from chosen contingencies.

The buyer, as owner of his/her residential unit, becomes responsible for securing property insurance
to protect his unit and its contents against loss or damages arising from chosen contingencies.