Designing Earthquake - Resistant Buildings: Lessons from the Earthquake Incident in Myanmar

On March 28, 2025, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake occurred in Myanmar at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers. The seismic tremors were felt in many areas of Thailand, especially in Bangkok and its metropolitan region. The earthquake caused damage to buildings and structures, including a heartbreaking incident where a building under construction in the Chatuchak area collapsed. This event highlights the risks and the importance of designing buildings to withstand earthquakes.

In this article, we will discuss methods for designing and constructing earthquake-resistant buildings by selecting appropriate construction materials, designing structures that can withstand seismic forces, and installing systems to prevent earthquake damage. All of these measures help reduce risks and enhance safety in building construction within earthquake-prone areas.

How important is building structure ?

One might ask, why is so much importance placed on building structures when most buildings can last for hundreds of years? The answer lies in the earthquake event that occurred on March 28, which demonstrated the critical importance of designing and calculating strong building structures that can truly withstand seismic forces.

The design of building structures, whether high-rise buildings, commercial buildings, religious sites, or public buildings that impact the safety of many users, is governed by the Building Control Act and related ministerial regulations. These regulations take into account earthquake resistance, such as specifying the weight, strength, and durability of buildings, as well as the ground conditions that support seismic vibrations.

Methods for Designing and Constructing Earthquake-Resistant Buildings

1. Selecting Appropriate Construction Materials

Selecting construction materials with high flexibility, such as steel and reinforced concrete, is a crucial part of designing earthquake-resistant buildings. These materials can flex with seismic forces and distribute the pressure from an earthquake. Additionally, materials that help absorb shocks, such as shock-absorbing pads or vibration-damping materials, can effectively protect the building structure from damage.

2. Designing Structures Resistant to Seismic Forces

Designing building structures to withstand seismic forces is essential, especially for buildings located in areas with a high risk of earthquakes, such as Bangkok and its metropolitan region, which have previously experienced seismic tremors. Applying design techniques that help distribute seismic forces, such as using flexible columns and beams or reinforcing the building’s structural strength, can significantly improve a building’s ability to withstand earthquake impacts.

3. Earthquake Damage Prevention Systems

Installing damping systems can help prevent seismic vibrations from damaging a building’s structure. The use of such technologies can reduce the risk of earthquake-related damage. In addition, regularly inspecting and maintaining the building’s structure to ensure it is always in good condition further enhances the stability of the building in the event of an earthquake.

Guidelines for Improving Safety

Besides structural engineering work, there are also standards related to building design and decoration that should be reviewed, such as

For building glass, laminated glass should be used for the building facade to prevent shattering. Bare glass panels that pose a risk of accidents should be avoided."
Swimming pools should have guardrails at least 1.20 meters high from the pool edge to reduce the risk of falls from the building.
Interior walls should avoid being covered with decorative materials that conceal damage, such as cracks.
Heavy furniture should be securely fastened to prevent tipping over during an earthquake.
Automatic opening and closing systems, such as building doors, should have a mechanism to remain open in case of emergencies.

Preparation of Various Systems

In the event of an earthquake emergency, appropriate warning systems and shelter areas should be provided, especially in high-rise or large buildings, to help occupants take refuge and wait for assistance safely.

The 7.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, serves as a reminder of the importance of designing earthquake-safe buildings. Selecting appropriate construction materials, designing structures that can withstand seismic forces, and installing vibration control systems are all essential considerations in every construction project. These measures help prevent potential earthquake damage and enhance the safety of building occupants.