Construction Strategies
March 9, 2010 2:07 PM Subscribe
What countries have building codes that deal with both earthquakes and hurricanes?
I want to learn about building codes that currently exist, that deal with single-family house construction that is resistant to both earthquakes and hurricanes. I am interested all types of construction, and most interested in the lowest cost method of doing this.
Also, if there are any resources out there that show which countries (or parts of countries) are at risk from both earthquakes and hurricanes that would be helpful.
Thank you.
I want to learn about building codes that currently exist, that deal with single-family house construction that is resistant to both earthquakes and hurricanes. I am interested all types of construction, and most interested in the lowest cost method of doing this.
Also, if there are any resources out there that show which countries (or parts of countries) are at risk from both earthquakes and hurricanes that would be helpful.
Thank you.
The International Code Council is a good place to start. You may find it tough to get free copies of the building code.
posted by electroboy at 2:26 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by electroboy at 2:26 PM on March 9, 2010
Yeah, it looks like you're looking at three big regions: Japan, the Philippines, and the South Pacific (especially Tonga, as well as Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu.) Tonga and the Philippines will probably be the easiest to find English-language building codes for, though if you want to study a developed country then you're pretty much stuck with Japan.
posted by Johnny Assay at 2:41 PM on March 9, 2010
posted by Johnny Assay at 2:41 PM on March 9, 2010
Yeah, it looks like you're looking at three big regions: Japan, the Philippines, and the South Pacific
Don't forget the Caribbean and some large areas of Latin America.
Also, there's a difference between having a building code, and enforcing a building code. Be sure of what you are looking at, and don't mistake the one for the other.
posted by Forktine at 3:08 PM on March 9, 2010
Don't forget the Caribbean and some large areas of Latin America.
Also, there's a difference between having a building code, and enforcing a building code. Be sure of what you are looking at, and don't mistake the one for the other.
posted by Forktine at 3:08 PM on March 9, 2010
The US territory of Guam building code, Hafa
Adai. You might also look into The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
posted by X4ster at 9:07 PM on March 9, 2010
Adai. You might also look into The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
posted by X4ster at 9:07 PM on March 9, 2010
Not a building code, but this FEMA publication may help you understand the elements involved in earthquake engineering.
posted by electroboy at 6:42 AM on March 10, 2010
posted by electroboy at 6:42 AM on March 10, 2010
The international code council (ICC) is the big one-stop shop for codes that see a lot of application throughout the US and around the world, including places susceptible to hurricanes and earthquakes; some places (like california) tack additional requirements on top of these model codes, but that's a good starting point.
Also marginally related, the open architecture network and architecture for humanity tend toward high-quality, budget-conscious construction in underdeveloped and especially disaster-prone (or disaster-stricken) parts of the world. Not building codes, but examples of actual work that goes on in those areas.
posted by Chris4d at 12:24 PM on March 10, 2010
Also marginally related, the open architecture network and architecture for humanity tend toward high-quality, budget-conscious construction in underdeveloped and especially disaster-prone (or disaster-stricken) parts of the world. Not building codes, but examples of actual work that goes on in those areas.
posted by Chris4d at 12:24 PM on March 10, 2010
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Map of Average Number of Earthquakes per Year per 12,300 km2, Magnitude 5 and Greater
The main area of overlap that stands out is Japan, so I'd start looking for building codes there, but if English translations are hard to find Hawaii may be an easier place to start.
posted by IanMorr at 2:25 PM on March 9, 2010