Performance of Residential Buildings during Nepal Earthquake

Abstract

Earthquake do not kill people, unsafe the buildings do. Earthquake is a naturally occurring process in which tectonic plates release strain developed in them over years. Earthquake cannot be avoided. Nepal Earthquake of magnitude 7.8 once again reminds us the need of earthquake resistant design and construction. Extensive loss of human life and property occurred due to this earthquake. In this paper, an effort is made to study the probable cause of failure of buildings in Nepal. Different types of buildings and structures are observed with various structural irregularities and defects. Thus, Safety measures to prevent future damage due to earthquake are also suggested.