30 October - 5 November 2009 (Kathmandu, Nepal)
ADRC conducted the second pull down test of a retrofitted building in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 2-3 November to compare with the first pull down test of a non-retrofitted building on 15 October as one of activities of Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Programme (ERRP).The non-retrofitted building used for the first pull down test completely fell down by intensity 13.5 ton, whereas the retrofitted building used for the second test did not even crack when intensity reached as much as 25 ton.
The comparison clearly demonstrates that earthquake-resistance of a building can be strengthened by applying the proposed retrofitting method (steel wire mesh plus mortal coating).
We will further examine the test results and produce a poster to promote the use of the proposed retrofitting method to masonry buildings as a very useful and cost-effective tool to enhance earthquake resistance.
(2009/11/09 19:10)